While sitting in a local pub having a beer with some friends, Terry Norton was asked for his opinion on a site that had an old derelict grain store sitting on it. The site was known to Terry as he used to live just down the road from it as a boy. The owner had tried and failed to get permission to take down the grain store and build his family house on the site. To Terry it looked and sounded like a good idea, the grain store was indeed derelict and a bit of an eyesore, but the local council had other ideas and had refused to allow either the conversion of the grain store into a dwelling or for it to be replaced with a new build house.

THE BRIEF

The brief was for a large family house with open plan living being central to the ground floor, but also have a separate drawing room, study and a TV room away from the main living area, there was to be a minimum of four bedrooms with the master having an ensuite separate dressing room and views over the gardens.

It was agreed that Norton Timber would design a new house to sit on the site of the old building and, working with the clients planning consultant, submit another scheme and see what happened. That application was denied but having the planning officers report to work with we felt there was a glimmer of hope, in so far as, amongst the various reason for refusal it was suggested that if there was to be a building allowed on the site it must not be a larger footprint than the existing grain store.

Working closely with our clients, incorporating their wish list and taking architectural cues from the neighbouring 12 century St George’s Church we designed another house, the new design was half a square meter smaller than the grain store footprint.

After a bit of negotiation at the planning committee meeting planning permission was granted and we could start to organise what was going to be a fantastic project.

THEN CAME COVID…

Having seen that there was a potential issue on the horizon with supply of construction materials we bought all the insulation, cladding, membranes, windows, and anything else that we could think we would need to maintain the momentum of the build. With our new workshop full to bursting we were ready for what ever was about to happen.

During lockdown we were able to coordinate the ground works owing to us using a father and son team who were in the same household and therefore ‘bubble’, that were able to carry on throughout the pandemic. The oak frame was delayed slightly but the foundations would be ready for us, along with having all the construction materials at our yard. So, when we all got back, we were able to crack on without any delays. The frame went up in May 2020, in just four days with the project being completed by December 2020 and the clients were in for Christmas.

As designer and main contractor, Norton Timber undertook all aspects of the project, issuing all detailed drawings and overseeing all the subcontractors.

Apart from the adaptations due to COVID, the project ran smoothly, with the end result speaking for itself, a beautiful house. A nominated finalist in the New Build Oak Framed House of the Year category in the national Build It magazine competition, we are exceptionally proud of this build.

Everyone at Norton Timber would like to thank all involved in the building of Lingard House. It was built during the very worst of times but also the very best of times, a wonderful project showcasing our exceptional team in trying times.