Crook Hall Gardens

Project Overview

We have completed the civil and structural design for a 2 storey visitor centre, café and holiday rental at Crook Hall Gardens on the edge of Durham City. The new visitor centre is the reception for visitors to the grade I-listed house and gardens, the building forming an edge to the street and also enclosing a new courtyard, which acts as an orientation space for the grounds. Replacing a previous tiredlooking shed, the form is reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel’s house. It acts as a playful aside to the house’s romantic setting. The structure uses a modern lightweight steel frame for stability, but is clad in softer materials such as; brickwork piers, timber cedar boards and shingles on the roof.

With a café, reception area and ancillary facilities at ground level opening on to its sunny terrace, the new programme has meant the building can be hired out for weddings and events, while the upper level flat, overlooking the River Wear, is available for rent. Detailing is refined, controlled and sensitive to its setting, with a family feel that means it has been quickly adopted by the local community as the new place to see and be seen. Elliott Architects were very specific in what they wanted to achieve, with no compromises on quality or finish. We are proud to be associated with such a great project and design team.