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It's a double for Seamans Building [May 2007]

Seamans Building was celebrating this week, after receiving recognition by the Suffolk Association of Architects for its craftsmanship in creating two local 21st century homes.

The Thurston-based firm was rewarded for its transformation of a simple row of cottages in Orford into a stunning contemporary home, and for its involvement in the restoration of a fire-ravaged thatched hall in Cratfield.

Seamans Buildings’ win came in the category for Major Alternations and Extensions, for a project in High Street, Orford, carried out for Nash Baker Architects.

The 16th century merchant’s house had been converted into a series of small cottages in the 1800s and several unsightly extensions had been added during more recent years. Seamans Building not only remodelled and transformed the buildings back into a stunning contemporary home, but also retained the original medieval timber frame structure.

Seamans Building was also the main contractor on the winning entry of the Specialist Work category, for the thatching works at Old Hall, North Green, Cratfield.

The listed timber framed property had been severely fire-damaged and Seamans set about returning it to its former glory. The works included a completely new roof structure, partly in oak and partly in softwood, as well as repairs to the damaged first floor.

The thatching works – recognised by the Suffolk Association of Architects with this award – was carried out by S.J. Letch of Harleston, Norfolk.

The regional awards were presented during the annual Suffolk Joint Consultative Committee dinner at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, last night (Thursday 3rd May), attended by around 350 of the region’s industry leaders.

Seamans Building's Managing Director, Duncan Haydon said: “We are delighted to have been main contractors on two of this year’s winning entries. It is a testimony to the hard work of our team, our suppliers, and to our commitment to traditional values and skills.”

The awards are the latest triumph for the Company, realising ten such awards in twenty years, Seamans Building employs its own team of professional and experienced craftsmen, as well as investing in tomorrow through an ongoing apprenticeship and training programme.

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