The building was originally designed by the renowned gothic revival architect, AWN Pugin and was constructed between 1842-46 for the RC Cathedral Diocese located on the adjacent cathedral site and comprises two, three and four storey buildings arranged around a central cloistered courtyard, with a double height chapel complete with original decorative paint schemes designed by Pugin.

The experience of the practice in dealing sensitively with historic buildings and the detailed knowledge gained through the early stages of the project led to the practice being retained by the developer client, Chase Homes. The practice took the project through planning, listed building and conservation area consents, providing the necessary continuity to resolve the technical translation of our initial sketch proposals through detailed design and building regulations to construction in the shortest timescales through a team development and construction management approach with the clients’ sister company Chase Norton Construction Ltd.

The project consists of the conversion of the Grade II listed former convent and nursing home to form twenty-seven luxury residential apartments, consisting of one, two or three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and bespoke furniture / fittings as well as the construction of a new adjacent building containing a further four apartments within the curtilage of the building itself and providing a complimentary infill street frontage to the conservation area, close to the centre of Nottingham. Detailed architectural and conservation investigations were undertaken and coordinated by the practice to establish the history and detail of earlier paint decoration schemes and other architectural features within the building; and the incorporation and enhancement of these as unique elements within contemporary styled interiors.

The existing built form has been maintained with careful and considered alteration to ensure the various aspects relating to the spatial character of the development are able to be appreciated and enhanced, providing a unique peaceful and tranquil residential setting close to a thriving commercial city centre.

Award

Nottingham Civic Society Commendation 2003