Architects And Quantity Surveyors
Alexandra Mews. Minehead, Somerset
These buildings in Minhead had had many different uses in the past from stables to shoe makers.
Planning permission for residential conversion had been granted for seven dwellings, 3no two bed and 4no three bed, but the design was not particularly sympathetic to the buildings appearance with quite a lot of demolition proposed.
We were appointed by Countryside Construction who were to act as client and developer. Working closely with them we established it was possible to maintain the number of proposed dwellings yet be much more in tune with the integrity of the existing buildings.
This meant that far more of the existing building fabric could be retained along with its character. Existing openings were exploited where possible and the stone work refurbished and made good in areas of structural failure.
The roof tiles which had been treated to stop them falling from the roof were stripped by hand, cleaned and reused.
The buildings were all then insulated to modern levels and fitted out to a high standard. Internally the most was made of the available space. A warm roof design enabled existing trusses to be exposed and for sloping ceilings to add character.
The result is a small community of attractive dwellings based around a landscaped courtyard. Most houses have a garage or dedicated parking place, yet all are within an easy flat walk of the town centre. The buildings inherent character has been preserved
