Masterplan proposals for The Hayes Conference Centre include restoring parts of the historic fabric of the Victorian country house which have been covered up or altered over the years.

The lounge was originally the main entrance to the house but the addition of a new reception extension in the 1980s took the focus off this delightful space. Dated décor covered the timber panelling with dark brown paint.

This modest restoration project was the first small step in the extensive, site-wide masterplan proposals. It included reroofing and redecoration of the reception and adjacent lounge, the creation of a new doorway between the two rooms with frameless glass doors and stripping back of the painted woodwork to reveal the charming warmth of the pitch pine beneath.

A completely new energy efficient lighting installation and new furniture add flexibility and complete the dramatic transformation.

Heather Thomas – Operations Director Christian Conference Trust said:

Leap Architects are just really nice people who want everyone to succeed. They take personal pride in every project, joining in with the joy of seeing it complete. They take the same approach to any project, with care and consideration for all involved they give sound solid advice, and options.

Working with complete patience and calmness is especially important as we are working with 300-year-old houses, and with any unexpected problems that crop up (and in old houses they do often) but there’s never any drama just a calm clear thought process and then a clear explanation of what we need to do.

Leap Architects understand the vision, the need and the budget – particularly important for us as a charity as we need to be careful with our funds, ensuring we spend wisely.