THE REIGATE SOCIETY  The Civic Society for Reigate, Redhill and Merstham     HOME PAGE        PREVIOUS PAGE
Reigate Society Awards 2008   These were announced and presented during the Reigate Society's Members' Evening on 06 October 2008.  The judging panel's comments on the three award winning developments are given below.   Rear of 4B High Street, Reigate    This conversion to a small domestic unit has made imaginative use of a potentially uncompromising and redundant outbuilding.   It is a sensitive reuse of a structure without loss of significant original material.   This design has accepted the constraints, character and fabric of the existing building and has been content to work within these, at the same time producing a successful result.   There is a high standard of workmanship and materials, both externally and internally.   For someone without a car this would be an attractive and quiet position whilst being close to the town centre.   Reigate Priory Park Pavilion    It is rare for a new building in Reigate to attract the attention of the leading architectural press, but the new Reigate Priory Park pavilion has achieved this.   Initially, many of those not trained to envisage the appearance of a construction that they cannot yet see were wary of this uncompromising contemporary building, and were fearful that it would conflict with and detract from the Priory itself.   It does not do this as it is far enough away for the two to live in harmony.   This scheme was by far the best of the four finalists in the design competition and the first English work of the Paris based architect Dominique Perrault.   He has designed acclaimed buildings not only in France, but also in Germany, Spain and Korea, for example.   It is pleasing that the Reigate Society was invited to have a representative on the judging panel.   The new pavilion succeeds by its simplicity in blending with its landscape, and its serrated glass panels help to diffuse its impact.   This effect varies with the light and general weather conditions.   What better than to quote Perrault himself - "not so much a building, but an optical instrument with the capacity to behave like a kaleidoscope with the landscape.   We are creating an absence of the building, while increasing the presence of the movement of people.   You don't know if you're in or out".      Unfortunately the interior fittings have not been given such an accolade by the press.   The RIBA Journal says this - "the interior is let down by some very municipal furniture.   Perrault's glossy-black circular server is compromised by odds and sods of catering equipment and cheap aluminium garden chairs and tables".   Unfortunately this is true, and having had the courage to build this building by an internationally acclaimed designer, the project could be said to have been "spoilt for a ha'p'orth of tar".   It should be pointed out that the award is for the pavilion itself and not for the park project in general, some details of which are not approved of by the Reigate Society.   Wray Common Mill    This brick built tower mill dating from 1824 has been without its sails for many years.   Also, for a long time the cap has been deteriorating.   To restore the mill to a visual state of completion with no practical benefit to the owner has required commitment as well as finance, and the result is to be commended.   The restoration has given pleasure to many.   Because the internal machinery is incomplete the cap cannot revolve so the sweeps cannot be made to turn.   The sails are therefore not full working replacements, but are a good visual compromise.   With the new fantail in place (the small bladed wheel on the cap) the mill gives a good impression of its working appearance.   One of the main beams supporting the fantail platform had fractured and had to be replaced.    To make this restoration worthwhile the current good state of preservation must be maintained.   The one feature not quite right is the overemphasis of the added window hoods due to painting them white.   Not being an original feature they reduce the effect of this former industrial building by the gentrification of its appearance.
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