image for illustration: Dyfi Architecture
Glyn Cywarch, in Gwynedd, Wales, has been crowned winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Award 2024, while owner Lord Harlech said IHBC HESPR member ‘Dyfi Architecture provided invaluable guidance and expertise to see the project through’.
Lord Harlech, owner of Glyn Cywarch, writes of the work and the role of Dyfi Architecture, a member of IHBC’s HESPR network:
‘Considering the complexity and scale of the restoration, including navigating the listed building consent, planning, and ecological considerations, the project was daunting, to say the least. We needed to find an architect who understood our vision for the project, has experience working with conservation principles, and how to work with the principles of sympathetic restoration within the guidelines of Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri/Snowdonia National Park.
From our initial meeting, right the way through the six-and-a-half-year restoration, Dyfi Architecture provided invaluable guidance and expertise to see the project through to completion. It is no understatement to say that we could not have done this without them.’
Historic Houses writes:
The prestigious award, sponsored by Sotheby’s auction house, was created in 2008, and recognises outstanding examples of the work being carried out by private owners all the time, up and down the country, to protect and preserve the historic buildings in their care.
Glyn Cywarch is a Grade II* listed house within Snowdonia National Park, built in 1616. In 2016, the building was highly dilapidated, with significant damp ingress and collapsed ceilings. It was close to becoming derelict if thorough and immediate action were not taken. An extensive seven-year restoration began, using a sympathetic methodology of traditional materials and master craftspeople, incorporating techniques such as the use of lime plaster. The gatehouse roof was fully repaired and reslated. Alongside the use of traditional techniques and materials, the thermal insulation of the building was greatly improved, and a renewable heating source in the form of a water source heat pump was added.
The team had to be incredibly careful every step of the way to ensure the restoration was done in a thorough and considerate manner. Judges were impressed that not just the architectural principles were considered, but also the ecological ones. Much of the work happened throughout the pandemic, which increased the costs of materials and limited the number of people they could have on site at any one time. With almost every decision they took, they had a long-term benefit in mind, but this often added extra layers of complexity and cost. The end result is quite remarkable.
Lord Harlech, owner of Glyn Cywarch, said: ‘We are delighted to have won the 2024 Historic Houses Restoration Award, sponsored by Sotheby’s. To win the award is truly humbling, especially in light of this year’s entries and previous winners. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who advised and worked on the project with us, without whom this project would not have been possible. We truly hope that we have restored the building for many generations to come.’
Ben Cowell, Director General at Historic Houses, said: ‘It is a very special moment to have a Welsh Restoration Award winner for the first time ever this year. Glyn Cywarch is an excellent example of how a house can be brought back to life and made ready for 21st-century living. Congratulations to the team and family there on a fantastic achievement.’
Lord Dalmeny, UK Chairman of Sotheby’s, said: ‘Sotheby’s is delighted to show recognition of the wonderful restoration project undertaken at Glyn Cywarch. This is a fine example of the hard work of owners of heritage estates, and the mix of traditional architectural techniques combined with new, innovative methods is particularly impressive.’
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