The Twentieth Century Society

Campaigning for outstanding buildings

CATCH UP: Modern Houses Spring Back 3: Crystal Palace, Suffolk Lecture

This is a recording of the event that took place on 10th March 2022: 

Modern Houses Spring Back 3:  Crystal Palace, Suffolk. Lecture

Presented by James Soane with Christopher Ash

The architect James Soane will talk about a refurbishment project in 2014 for the sensational Crystal Palace. Formerly Tracey House it was designed by Michael and Patty Hopkins for an engineer and completed 1978 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

The Tracey House is a lightweight glass box with a radical plan, the second house by Michael and Patty Hopkins following their own in Hampstead. The house was sold in 1981 after which modifications were undertaken. The current owners bought the house in 2012.

The refurbishment in 2014 by Project Orange repaired and reimagined the building. The challenge was to maintain the integrity of the house while upgrading it. James will discuss the technical and aesthetic challenges of the project along with reflections on the nature of the ‘glass box’ as a paradigm for a home. The house was featured in the C20 Magazine 2020/2 (pages 54-62 online)

James Soane is an architect, writer and educator who founded Project Orange with Christopher Ash in 1997.  James was founding director of the London School of Architecture in 2015, where he led critical practice and research.

Members:  £3Non-Members: £5

You will receive an email confirmation with a link to the password protected recording which will be available until 10 June 2022.

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The Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244

The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider.

Above: Crystal Palace, Suffolk after refurbishment; Photograph: Jack Hobhouse.

Booking Closed

Unfortunately, booking is closed for this event and we are no longer able to accept new bookings.