Craft workshops, Bridport,
Dorset, UK, 1998

This project for re-purposing and re-inhabitation three derelict 19th century dairy buildings is located in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The buildings form part of a larger ensemble of agricultural and residential buildings. This small community is highly visible across, and enjoys broad views of, the surrounding open farmland.

Respecting the quality of the existing stone walls, we added lighter materials - larch, cedar and milled aluminium. All these we anticipated would weather and silver to compliment the colour of the stone and its mortar.

The three volumes are treated with subtle variations in their construction, reflecting their respective levels of required robustness. Horizontal cedar-board screens protect large format glazing. From the shared central courtyard a gradient in the refinement of their surface finish is visible - from rough sawn to smoothly planed.