Castle Club

Castle Club’s origin as a school made for an interesting challenge when it came to transforming it into an Alzheimer’s specialist care facility. The existing building, an embodiment of Jacobean architectural styles, adds layers of complexity due to its listed status. Navigating strong considerations for its neighbours, and of course, its future residents, the project centres on the meticulous restoration of this historical gem whilst applying a calming sense of belonging to the space.

The design process, spanning three years for planning approval, was reminiscent of Chipperfield’s aesthetic sensibilities. The new addition, marked by a simple and serene rhythm of precast stone, pays homage to the original building’s stonework while distilling it to its essential elements. The elevation’s conceptual underpinning not only complements the grandeur of the original construction but also directs attention towards it, emphasising the significance of simplicity.

Craftsmanship echoes the rhythm of the pre-existing building’s flying buttresses and the spacing of window panes. This is distilled into a module size that delicately wraps around the structure, presenting itself with utmost subtlety. On the rear side, the stonework mirrors the lattice arrangement of the main building, creating a harmonious connection that adds to the overall charm of Castle Club.