Pub turned into home wins outstanding design award

Chandos Yard, in Long Crendon, designed by Wolff Architects Ltd, was formerly home to The Chandos Arms pub.

The building was restored and extended to create a new three bedroom home within the thatched roof cottage fronting Bicester Road.

The coach house to the back of the cottage was converted to house the architect’s Oxford practice and a contemporary new office was built providing over 2,200 sq ft of commercial use on the site.

Judges praised the ‘high quality’ of the building and also commented on ‘the success of the link between the old and new developments and the focus on office facilities which allowed staff to work in a country setting.’

Director of Wolff Architects Nick Pritchett said: “We are honoured to receive this award which demonstrates the high quality of the design and implementation achieved.

“This was truly teamwork.”

Winner in the outstanding conservation award was The Pointer, a historic pub in Brill, designed by Planned Approach Architects.

The old outbuildings were converted into new kitchens and a restaurant as part of the project and one was dismantled and rebuilt to provide a butcher’s shop.

Sunny Hill Farmhouse in Padbury and the new music school at Stowe School were also commended by judges in the Aylesbury Vale District Council Design Awards 2014.

Meanwhile, Hastoe Housing Association schemes at Marsh Gibbom, Mursley and Tingewick were also commended for their designs.

Two projects near Great Brickhill were also highly commended.

Councillor Sue Polhill, cabinet member for planned development, design and conservation, said: “These buildings are inspiring examples of what can be achieved.

“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and also to have property owners prepared to go the extra mile to ensure their buildings enhance the landscape.”

The winners were chosen by a panel of councillors and design experts at an awards ceremony at Aylesbury Vale District Council’s offices, The Gateway.