Originally built in 1901 to house the Free Library and the town’s Technical and Art School, The Old Library is a well-established landmark in Leamington Spa. TateHindle’s plans involved the sensitive conversion of the Grade II listed former library building into residential accommodation. The brief called for a refurbishment of the existing building to create 28 spacious ‘loft style’ apartments which retained the high-quality architectural elements of The Old Library.
Celebrating the historic fabric and contrasting it with crisp modern additions, the scheme revolves around the creation of a central landscaped courtyard which replaces the existing glazed hall at the heart of the building.
The courtyard features wraparound terracotta cladding panels with deep reveals to organise window and door openings. These also provide glimpses of the existing solid brick masonry which helps to tie in the different levels of the building as well as creating depth and interest in the façade.
The red brick façade has been restored and original features, including ornate terracotta motifs, door and window surrounds, arched portico, turrets and bell towers, have been retained and restored. Internally, modern additions including black ironwork and frameless glazing combine with the existing historical features to deliver an eclectic blend of old and new.
