Extension: The David Lewis Colony, Warford, near Alderley Edge

WARFORD - The committee of the David Lewis Epileptic Colony, Warford, near Alderley Edge, have chosen the scheme submitted by Mr Geo. H Willoughby FRIBA of Manchester in a limited competition of architects for the proposed additions. (Building News 10 April 1908 Page 525)

EPILEPTIC COLONY, ALDERLEY, CHESHIRE. - Some years ago an important group of buildings was erected in Mid‑Cheshire for the accommodation of epileptics, and extensions to them gave rise to an interesting competition, the designs for which have just been exhibited. The existing buildings were designed by, and erected under the supervision of Mr. Graham, F.R.I.B.A.; but he was not one of those who took part in the competition which has just been decided. The present institution consists of a series of detached buildings distributed over a site of large acreage, in three groups. The central group consists of five buildings, one behind the other: An administrative block, a large hall for entertainments and used as a chapel, an observation and hospital block; a kitchen block, from which all the meals are distributed by means of bicycles, arid a school block. On each side are a series of homes: one for men, the other for women. A laundry 'block is placed at the extreme back.  The competition was for another home, part of which is 'to be erected now. No doubt others may follow, should funds permit and requirements make more necessary. To a limited extent the existing buildings influenced all the plans  submitted as well as the elevations; but there were important differences and distinct improvements on the existing buildings. There was no assessor. The committee have placed first the design submitted by Mr. G. H. Willoughby, F.R.I.B.A., of Manchester.

The essential features of Mr. Willoughby's design are a centrally‑placed day‑room (as will be seen from the sketch plan), from which most of the other rooms open; the fittings, fireplaces., and radiators are so placed as to avoid angles. Recesses are formed under the windows for the radiators by reducing the thickness of the brickwork from 16 in. to 11 in. When these project into the rooms it has been found that patients frequently sit on them, and are liable to fall off. Both the dormitories and the two isolation rooms for cases of sudden attack or violence are overlooked from the attendants' room.  These isolation rooms have outside doors in addition to the ordinary ones, so that in case of death the body can be removed without carrying it through the other portions of the building, in view of the inmates. The dining‑room (35 ft. by 17 ft.) has south light at one end, a point overlooked by some of the other competitors, who light their dining‑room from the north end. The large central day‑room has windows on three sides, those to the north and south being over the roofs of the adjoining low rooms. It has been pointed out that the bathroom in this design can only be reached from the dormitories by crossing the day‑room. The kitchen is purposely kept small, as the principal cooking is carried on in the main centrally‑placed kitchen, near the administrative block. A conspicuous feature of the design is the elaborate manner in which the ventilation and heating has been worked out and shown in detail on the plans and sections. The elevations are in harmony with those of the existing buildings, in which the roofs and the grouping of the gables, filled in with half‑ timbered work, form a feature. [Building News 10 April 1908 Page 525]

THE DAVID LEWIS COLONY, WARFORD - The foregoing is a perspective view of an extension of the David Lewis Colony, Warford, near Alderley Edge, which is about to be built by the Manchester Committee at an estimated cost of about £4,500. The design has been made by Mr George H Willoughby of 3, York Street, Manchester, who has been appointed architect. In the competition the candidates were limited to six city architects. Mr Willoughby has worked out his design externally so as to harmonise with the existing lines with certain modifications and improvements in the details. Ornamentation and embellishments have been avoided, excepting on points of a minor character. Sound and economical construction, the sanitary perfection, administrative convenience and the utmost comfort of the inmates have been the principal considerations. The distinguishing points of the design ate its symmetrical arrangement associated with its thoroughly domestic and homely character. Simplicity and directness have been aimed at in the block and general arrangements. The new home will provide accommodation for thirty men. [Manchester City News Saturday June 27, 1908, Page 8]

Reference    Manchester City News 27 June 1908 Page 8 (with illustration).
Reference    Building News 10 April 1908 Page 525
Reference    Building News 3 July 1908 Page 13 and illustration