build
The Caretaker’s House (the lodge) was built in 1913 at the same time as the original Girls Grammar School and was used as such for many decades. Over the last century the lodge has had different uses until recently, where it has sat empty, resulting in the need for renovation. There was some discussion around the possible demolition of the building, however it was felt, with some investment and thoughtful development, that there was potential for it to be brought back to life and used once again.
Durham Sixth Form Centre has a successful track record in the visual arts and in recent years has developed an outstanding Artist in Residence programme (AiR). In line with this success, the art colleagues have longed for gallery space to exhibit the work of artists and in so doing bring creative communities together. With the lodge in need of renovation and the visual arts needing a space as a community hub to share their passion for the arts, it was felt the lodge would be the ideal space to celebrate artistic talent and so planning began.
"The transformed building now serves as an exhibition space celebrating the visual arts and engaging the local community. It benefits Durham Sixth Form students while offering emerging artists broader exposure. Centrally located in Durham City, art classes and public exhibitions are accessible to all."
The architect envisioned the refurbishment of the original building and the addition of a two-storey extension linked by glazed panels to create distinct separation between old and new. By removing the original rear wall it allowed for a fully open plan build with a metal and glass stairway leading to the first floor – also used as an additional artwork space and gallery area.
Environmental considerations were built into the development including the heavy insulation of the building, fitting energy efficient lighting and utilising air source heat pumps which eliminated the use of natural gas. A number of additional trees were also planted on the Durham Sixth Form Centre site to help offset the carbon footprint and bat boxes built into the fabric of the building, just in case. The integrity of the building was preserved by retaining the frontage, the chimney stack and most of the external features.
finished space
Internally there is an expanse of white walls, a large velux roof window, which allows natural light to cascade into the gallery, multi projector points for electronic art/sound installations and extensive track lighting for pinpoint highlighting of individual artwork.
