Royal West Norfolk Golf Club: Case Study

To further celebrate our win at the RICS East Awards, we are reflecting on our work at the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club.

The clubhouse, home to RWNGC since the Victorian era, underwent a refurbishment aimed at modernizing and improving functionality and accessibility while preserving its historical character. Original items were refurbished and reintroduced, blending the building’s history with modern amenities. This clubhouse, cherished by club members, presented unique challenges.

Built in 1892, the clubhouse is located adjacent to an ecologically sensitive area, sitting between the beach and saltmarshes. Challenges included sourcing Carr Stone for the new extension due to the original quarry’s closure, maintaining site usability with temporary facilities, ensuring golf course access, and preserving public beach access. These issues were managed through careful coordination with the team and client.

The historic building’s fabric was meticulously repaired, with minor demolitions limited to later extensions. The new extension was designed to integrate seamlessly, avoiding a disjointed appearance. Key architectural features, such as the enclosed east balcony and south-facing gables, were preserved. Internally, timber cladding was carefully restored and reused, maintaining its aged character. Overall, the project has increased the social value of this important heritage asset whilst supporting the future of the club, with the design enabling the clubhouse to be more inclusive for existing and future members.