A 17th century house extension project featuring extensive use of green oak has won a Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) award.
Architects Damien and Robert Blower won the historic context category in the RIBA Ibstock Downland Prize for Architects 2005 for their extension and remodelling of South Hay House in Farnham, once the home of early 20th century travel writer Henry Morton.
A new kitchen was constructed using an oak hammer beam ceiling, replicating the house’s existing library. The units and doors were also made from green oak.
The kitchen and storage areas, completed by local contractor FW Germans and Son, effectively link two parts of the house previously connected by a 20m-long corridor.
Judges of the Ibstock Downland Prize said: “The extension and re-ordering has actually changed for the better the way that the house is used. Perhaps for the first time in its history, the whole building has been tailored to meet the needs of, and give pleasure to, its owners. The detailing is superb.”
