Challenge

For many years the building had been used by the local council as their offices. Macaria was dark, filled will clutter, rising damp, rotten floorboards, and with plenty of challenges for accessibility. We are reminded of how our buildings must be cared for so they can age gracefully in place, and ensure a long and adaptable life.

Response

As with all of our projects, we started by understanding what the building needed to return it to full health. We worked closely with the client and builders to restore and express its fine features, such as fireplaces, huge red cedar skirtings, floor boards and doors.

Where elements could not be saved, or where changes had been made in the past, we took the opportunity to open the building up and make it work for its new public use.

The design of the gallery was considered hand in hand with the curatorial approach. Colours were chosen to complement each rooms’ thematic grouping, and custom joinery and salon hang walls were introduced.

The building has become a much loved community asset, which facilitates a range of art workshops such as Art After School, Watercolour Wednesdays and Life Drawing.