Buttress Architects | Manor House Library

The Manor House Library in Lewisham is housed in a Grade II* listed Georgian manor, once the home of the Barings banking family. A public library since the 1930s, Buttress were appointed to restore the building, improve access and open up new areas to maximise its use as public library and learning resource.
The building was restored, and the boundary softened to the adjacent public park, much of which was once the private garden to the house. An extended wing was demolished and redesigned to allow level access to the library and learning resources. Interior details were restored and a new colour scheme adopted that is fitting to the period and style of building.
Finally, after much research and consultation, a new glazed lift was inserted to the centre of the building in the entry hall, making the upper floors accessible. This significant modification to the listed building was achieved by a thorough and intelligent understanding of how change has shaped the building and supported its function as a place for the community.
Manchester Society of Architects Awards 2010: Commended in the conservation, re-use and conservation category