Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Work carried out: A domestic Library formed from a redundant ancillary space.
Project description:
Working from home in in a large, detached, mid-Victorian family house, our client wanted to create for himself a space which included a Library for his reference books, a personal work space and Home Cinema from a redundant Ground Floor room.
The topography of the site had left a large floor void and enabled a dynamic two storey space to be created at Lower Ground Level with a staircase connection to a gallery at Ground floor level. The working environment and the care of the books were prime considerations. The space is part top-lit from a remote controlled rooflight. The materials chosen are intended to enhance a sense of calm with thought given to their separate complementary qualities in combination: structural steel gallery and staircase framework with glass balustrade and stainless steel handrail, a limestone plinth to the staircase, an oak floor, bookshelves and desk. The staircase was designed with its glass panels to give the impression of floating above the heavy stone plinth adding to the drama of the space. Special light fittings were chosen to light the books and the space in various mood settings.
Contractor: Thomas & Duffield
Awards:
Winner
2005 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Small Scale Residential
“A superb galleried library and study. The new work is very finely detailed both internally and externally and is considered inspiring and successful.”
Sussex Heritage Award Judges