Building Design Award 2017

Published: 17 March 2017

 The judges remarked that the original Chapel Keeper’s Lodge was a fine building, but obviously too small for modern aspirations.  The means of extension were well chosen, preserving the frontage whilst adding a two-storey extension over half its depth.  There was some opposition to the original plans as it was difficult to see how the builders could move the portico from the side to the front of the property.  One of the judges commented “I am pleasantly surprised that the owners really had kept to what they proposed and for this reason I think that this is what the award is about.  I don’t think that James Cubitt (the original architect) would be too unhappy with it and I still enjoy it as I walk past.”

The owners were delighted at winning the award but were unfortunately unable to attend the presentation ceremony.  They said, “We have worked very hard in partnership with Epping Forest [District Council] planning officers, the architect Kevin Lennon and Angle Builders to design a home that was in keeping with the original building that everyone is so familiar with, but allowed for modern family living.  We really wanted to make sure that in a time of generic new build houses and flats, we did something sympathetic and characterful, yet quite novel!  Angle Builders were key to making this a reality.  They re-used all the old bricks and pointing techniques, re-purposed the wooden arches inside the house and matched the original leaded window designs throughout.  Thanks to all the people walking by who have given their complements - we too love our old 'new home' and hope others will for many years to come”.

The town mayor Cllr Carol Davies presented the award at the Annual Town Meeting on
15 March 2017 to the owners’ agent, Kevin Lennon, the architect for this project.