Extension and conversion of an existing schoolhouse
The Old School House, is located in the Bradshaw Chapel Conservation area and has been vacant for over ten years. The existing schoolhouse dates from the late 19th Century and was the original St Maxentius School to the adjacent Church of the same name.
Sixtwo have been appointed to create a new residential development that would enable the conversion of the existing schoolhouse in a manner that preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area.
The proposal is a conversion and extension of the existing schoolhouse to provide 15 high quality new apartments, ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms. The schoolhouse will be converted into 5 townhouses with integral carparking located within the lower ground floor. The main living spaces are located on the first floor to maximise the southern orientation (and balcony), and allow views over the fishing reservoir. New floors will be inserted for the upper (bedroom) floors to take advantage of the spacious architectural roof spaces. The new build extension will provide additional units, upper and lower entrances and a new lift/stair core.
The conversion of the schoolhouse is sympathetic to the heritage asset in that externally, little of the existing building envelope will be changed. Minimal interventions such as lengthening windows, adding balconies and rooflights will conserve and enhance its character. The design of the new build makes reference to the schoolhouse in parts but will read as a distinctive element to avoid a “pastiche” aesthetic response to the schoolhouse. This is achieved through the use of textured buff bricks with rake horizontal joints.
The project received planning permission in 2019.
29 Bow Lane,
Manchester
M2 4FW
© 2020 Sixtwo Architects. All rights reserved.
29 Bow Lane,
Manchester
M2 4FW