A FALCARRAGH born architect has won a prestigious architectural award in Sussex for an innovative restoration and extensions to a pair of heritage cottages which are now a single home.
Brid Carr developed her interest in heritage buildings while working her first job at Glenveagh National Park and The Glebe Gallery, gaining a love for beautiful old buildings and how, with care, they can be brought back to life.
The Donegal native is a Director at Randell Design Group in Chichester in the south east of England and achieved national recognition winning a Sussex Heritage Trust Award for the ‘South Downs Cottage’. The project involved what was two original Georgian estate cottages, believed to date back to 1795.
The buildings were restored to their original flint glory and extended in a contemporary yet sensitive way to take full advantage of the rural location and views. The design incorporates a glass extensions at both ends of the home, creating a large new kitchen and annex with a sauna.
Brid worked alongside other consultants to ensure this home met strict planning considerations across heritage, local associations, and the South Downs National Park.
Brid Carr
Speaking to the Donegal News this week Brid was looking forward to returning to Donegal next week for a family wedding, adding that her two children love the beaches here.
“What I do is not dissimilar to if you were doing something in Glenveagh National Park, you have a huge amount of regulations to follow and wildlife to consider, like the flight path of birds, bats, the glare at night time, preserving the trees and protecting a heritage aspect stone wall.
“I have won previous awards for my work but this one covered the whole of Sussex which takes in Brighton and quite a big area. It is lovely to get the recognition,” Brid said.
Brid studied architecture at UCD and in France. Now 20 years in England, Brid first began practising in London before moving to the south coast. She joined the award-winning Randell Design Group four years ago. The 20-strong team of architects and interior designers specialise in high-end residential projects running from new builds to refurbishments.
The South Downs Cottage landed on Brid’s desk three years ago. The project spanned over lockdown, but in the end, it was well worth the effort. And a great team effort it was too. Brid has shared her appreciation for her colleagues and for the homeowners, Amanda and Craig Talbot.
“The owners are thrilled to be in the house. Most of all they love the privacy it gives them on one side facing the road and the endless views on the other side which opens up to fields,” Brid said.
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards took place on July 4. South Downs Cottage was awarded in the Small Scale Residential category – marking a great seal of approval from the charity established to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.
Homeowner Amanda Talbot, who recently joined Randell Design as an Interior Design Associate, shared her delight with the recognition.
“Craig and I were delighted to be nominated for a Sussex Heritage Award by Randell Design Group, and were thrilled to win! We are pleased that our home has been recognised by Sussex Heritage Trust for both the restoration work and for the modern extensions that make the most of the natural light and views. We loved working with Brid and all the talented people involved in bringing this project to life,” Amanda said.
Brid added that Amanda joining the team was a lovely end to the story.
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