Theodore House, Christian Heritage Centre
Previously known as the Old Mill, Theodore House is a Grade II listed building, dating to the 1840s. The site that had fallen into disrepair was leased to The Christian Heritage Centre by Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe and has been rebuilt with funds raised by the charity through trusts and private donors.
Although the original roof and floor structure of the three-storey building had been lost, the exterior walls with all their original openings have been conserved within the renovation, as have three of the original roof beams.
Following the conversion and restoration, Theodore House set within the Stonyhurst Estate, is now a peaceful space for educational retreats, conferences and away-days.
Project Scope
Landmark Lifts’ involvement in this restoration project was to provide a two-stop platform lift for this Grade II listed building. Working with architect Neil Aaron from Cassidy + Ashton, a bespoke platform lift was specified both in terms of technical specification and design aesthetics.
The visual appearance of the lift was of great importance for the project as the redevelopment design optimised the opportunity to encompass where possible the former structure of the corn mill, thereby retaining the appearance of the original building. A balance of the original historic building design combined with modern lift technology was vital to the overall aesthetic outcome.
Lift Specification
Working within the parameters of this historic building brought some restrictions to the design space available for the lift. The project specification required a platform lift that would fit within the central void of the staircase layout, and additionally it was not possible to fit a full lift pit within the floor.
After discussing the range of lift options available with the architect, an Aritco 7000 platform lift 1100 mm wide x 1480 mm deep from Landmark Lifts was specified for the building project, with a floor to floor travel distance of 4350 mm, a 50 mm pit and with doors the same side of the shaft on each floor.
Aesthetics
The exterior colour of the lift was specified to RAL9011 graphite black, with a matt finish. With interior grey flooring, LED lighting, a glazed door and two glass walls, the lift finish is sleek and stylish, complementing the wooden floors and stone walls of the overall design concept drawn up by Cassidy + Ashton architects.
Glass played an important part in the aesthetics of this installation comprising 18 clear glass panels, eight on the rear of the shaft, eight on one wall of the lift and two on the front above the door at ground level.
Conclusion
Landmark Lifts is proud to have been involved in such a remarkable restoration project. The wide range of lifts and options offered by the company meant the bespoke solution required for this unique project of balancing historical architecture with modern technology, could be achieved to the highest standard.
It showcases our ability to provide in-depth technical recommendations that ensure the success of a customer installation both technically and aesthetically. Following this installation Landmark Lifts continues to support this project through a regular service contract.
