A former farmyard building in Purbeck has been transformed by SPASE Architects into a flexible family retreat, centred around a natural swimming pool, a green-roofed outbuilding and an oak-framed extension.

Set within the Dorset National Landscape and a local conservation area, the pool was the starting point for the whole project, an organic, chlorine-free design by Water Artisans, filtered through reed beds and a planted regeneration zone. SPASE reworked the existing house for multi-generational use, taking it from four bedrooms to six, while Purbeck stone, oak and larch tie the new work back to the original building.

This contemporary new dwelling was conceived for a rural site in the Dorset countryside, designed as a sustainable, low carbon and low impact addition to its landscape. The scheme takes the form of a cluster of simple gabled volumes, drawing on the massing of traditional agricultural buildings and using local materials to root the design in its setting.

The layout was arranged to minimise the building’s footprint and energy demand, with a low, linear profile that allows the dwelling to sit quietly within its surroundings. An unbuilt design study, the scheme demonstrates a considered approach to new build architecture in a sensitive countryside context.

This Grade II* former pastoral residence had fallen into significant disrepair prior to our intervention. Our work focused on the sensitive conservation and restoration of the building, including the replacement of roof coverings, masonry repairs, new internal and external joinery and a considered reconfiguration of the internal layout.

We returned the property to active use, delivering a level of comfort and performance appropriate for 21st-century living. The scheme celebrates the seamless dialogue between the building’s historic fabric and its renewed contemporary function.

The sensitive transformation of a traditional Somerset farmstead into a bespoke artist’s studio for a highly accomplished artist and former President of the Royal Academy. Set within the rural landscape around Bruton, the design respects and preserves the barn’s original vernacular and stone façade, while delivering a light-filled, high-performance creative studio and workspace.

High levels of insulation and solar control work in harmony with the stone’s thermal mass to provide year-round comfort. The resulting project is a clear example of our ability to combine conservation, contemporary design and a carefully tailored fit-out into a single, coherent scheme.

The Manor Farmhouse project combined architectural design and building conservation to resolve long-standing water ingress issues. Works included the replacement of slate and lead roofs in Capital grade Welsh slate, together with upgraded insulation throughout.

The former conservatory was replaced with a larger, contemporary glasshouse, designed to open views across the grounds and lakes while introducing generous natural light into the kitchen. The roof glazing was supplied by the Patent Glazing Company. Existing kitchen and glasshouse floors were relaid in limecrete with integrated underfloor heating, delivering improved performance and long-term durability.

With a brief to create a contemporary, linear form that appears to float above the landscape while offering panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, The Hills project in Dorset occupies a truly exceptional coastal setting.

Our design delivered a sequence of considered living spaces each maximising the expansive views across the English Channel. In addition to the open-plan kitchen, the house included a subterranean bedroom suite, beach-access changing rooms with showers and integrated garages for boats and sea-sports equipment. The result is a refined coastal retreat.

Western House required a sensitive and considered approach to transform this Listed building into a contemporary home, incorporating a garden studio, sauna and a self-catering annex for visiting family.

Despite construction being interrupted by both the pandemic and the discovery that the site was home to four protected bat species, the project progressed through rigorous planning and ecological coordination. A full-service support package enabled successful delivery, ensuring that both heritage and environmental responsibilities were fully respected.

Considered one of the oldest houses in southern England, Barnston Manor is a Grade I listed medieval building nestled in the Purbeck valley. The project required careful navigation of complex planning processes and detailed heritage specifications, so we developed a sensitive design that would preserves the property’s exceptional character and charm whilst future proofing its ongoing use for our client.

Delivering a full-service package-from architectural design and planning strategy to specialist conservation expertise- we retained the manor’s time-worn appeal while enabling its long-term stewardship. Every intervention was guided by a respect for the building’s unique historic fabric and significance.

A slice of history in the heart of Somerset, the Threshing project entailed extensive expansion work – modelled on the historic plan – to enhance a Grade II listed threshing barn with luxury living quarters.

Obtaining Listed Building Consent and significant change of use for our developer client, our design team provided a service which proposed separate bedroom suites, an inner courtyard garden, and an open barn reception space complemented by historic roof timbers.

Nestled in the heart of the Piddle Valley within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bookham Farm was transformed from a former wildlife hide into a welcoming holiday retreat.

Our team guided the project through a complex planning process and secured approval for a forward-thinking design for a fully remodelled building that sat harmoniously within its protected landscape.

The design incorporated renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle charging, along with a contemporary extension to frame the sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale.