ERRAND Studio was appointed as project Architect in September 2020 to oversee the full refurbishment and renovation works at the Herefordshire Golf Club, Raven’s Causeway, Wormsley. Following a competitive design & feasibility study against other local architectural firms, the club owners felt Oliver’s approach to the project fully understood the client brief, and put forward the most compelling creative vision, offering a truly transformative proposal.
 

The existing Golf Club was established on the site at Raven’s Causeway, Wormsley in 1932. The site was discovered by James Braid, responsible for numerous golf courses of note across the world, with the club remaining a member of the Society of James Braid Golf Courses.

Raven’s Causeway originally formed part of the Foxley estate owned by the Davenport Family, until it was purchased in 1968. The course is made up of 148 acres of magnificent tranquil countryside which provides a stunning and challenging round for visitors and Society golf, with views to the Shropshire Hills, Brecon Beacons and the Malvern Hills.

 

The approach to design was to unlock the potential of the existing building, making several key design interventions to improve the long-term enjoyment of the club house for both current and future members along with the general public. The internal works sought to reconfigure the existing building to optimise the usable space, whilst introducing vital updates to ensure the building was made fully accessible and more energy efficient. Externally, upgrades to improve the aesthetic treatment of the building on approach were introduced, along with a large external terrace area over an existing flat roof, enhancing the relationship between the building and the bucolic landscape setting that surrounds it.

 

Bolt-on later additions that currently greet visitors upon arrival were be removed to rebalance the façade, whilst assisting with the orientation of visiting users toward a clearly defined entrance and reception area prior to reaching the golf course. Much needed level access for wheelchair and restricted mobility users is achieved through the introduction of an inviting ramped access from the main south western approach upon arrival.

 

Internally, the proposed works at first floor relocated the existing Kitchen, completely revitalised the outdated Lounge, Bar and Dining areas, whilst also creating a dedicated reception and lobby area complete with Cloakroom & Toilet facilities, previously only located within the ground floor changing rooms. Dramatic large scale glazing was introduced to the gable ends overlooking the golf course to the North East, with the introduction of French doors connecting directly out onto a newly formed external terrace area designed to capitalise upon the landscape setting. Making use of an existing flat roof, the external terrace area acts as an extension to the bar & dining spaces, adorned with an external pergola structure, offering framed views on all sides out over the landscape.

 

At ground floor level, the existing changing and washroom facilities are currently undergoing renovation under the second phase of works, with a members gym area provisionally planned in the future. The ground floor accommodation is completed by storage and cellar rooms, a plant room and the club office.

 

The renovation work was designed as a low impact, energy efficient upgrade to the existing clubhouse, seeking to maximise light and views within the building and out to the wider landscape, without adding any additional built mass or bulk to the setting which may run the risk of feeling alien to the setting. The building envelope was vastly upgraded with thermal insulation, whilst also integrating sustainable energy sources including an on site Solar PV array and dedicated Air Source Heat pumps. Specific on site electricity usage by Golf Buggies make efficient use of on-site electrical storage offered by storage batteries linked to the PV arrays.