Hospice House, Winchester
The Project
Dell Developments was tasked with refurbishing and expanding the former Winchester Union Workhouse, now known as Hospice House.
The client sought a design that preserved the historical character of the building while introducing modern amenities suitable for contemporary living. Key requirements included transforming the ground floor into an open-plan living space, incorporating bespoke architectural elements, and extending the rear with a conservatory.
Additionally, the brief called for the creation of a private courtyard garden, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining harmony between the historical structure and the new contemporary features.
The Challenge
The Hospice House project presented several challenges that Dell Developments needed to navigate. The primary challenge was balancing the preservation of the building’s historic character with the integration of modern architectural elements. This required careful consideration of materials and design features to ensure the existing structure’s integrity remained intact.
What’s more, working within the constraints of a historical building demanded sensitivity to its original layout and features, particularly when introducing open-plan spaces and bespoke elements. The extension also posed structural and aesthetic challenges, as it needed to complement, rather than overwhelm, the historical aspects. Dell Developments needed to account for spatial limitations while ensuring seamless connections between the interior and exterior.
The Solution
Dell Developments delivered a thoughtful refurbishment and extension that successfully merged contemporary features with the historical essence of Hospice House. The ground floor was transformed into an open-plan living space, enhancing usability and flow. A bespoke staircase was crafted as a standout feature, adding both functionality and architectural interest.
Furthermore, a spiral wine cellar was installed, providing a unique and stylish storage solution. The rear extension featured stainless steel, zinc, and glass to create a modern conservatory, which seamlessly connected to the private courtyard garden. Large sliding doors further enhanced the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, delivering a result that met the client’s expectations and needs.
