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Architects: Hinton Cook Architects
- Area: 13677 ft²
Text description provided by the architects. Located in the historic railway town of Wolverton, this project owned by the Parks Trust, creates 13,677ft2 office space within existing grade II listed structures. Designed by the award winning Hinton Cook Architects, the brief was to renovate and convert the old farm buildings, contrasting the old with the new and exposing the historic structure creating new stylish and contemporary offices within. Set within generous mature landscape, attention to landscaping and respect for context was critical to help the design continue to blend harmoniously within its rural surroundings. Key to the success of the project was the juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements. The sensitive approach to this historic building ensured the contrast between old and new forms delivered in a sophisticated way highlighting the contrast between the two.
Sleek frameless structural glass panels fill the open sides of the barn allowing the structure to appear unchanged whilst forming a comfortable office environment for the occupants. This expanse of glass allows for the interior spaces to exhibit good levels of light minimizing the need for artificial lighting whilst enabling panoramic views of the surrounding countryside promoting a healthy and sustainable working environment. Heating and cooling of the building is maintained via a comfort cooling system.
English heritage were involved during the planning process and highly commended the design in that the structural glazing maintained the spatial openness of the barns. The majority of the traditional structure was retained with new oak supports inserted when this was not possible. The beams, rotting at the base were trimmed and connected to concrete feet to improve the structure. Original trusses are left exposed to reveal the historic character of the original barns
