Engine House Conversion, St Day, Cornwall World Heritage Site

The Orchard Barn, an historic engine house had been in a dilapidated state for many years until the current owners decided to stabilize the structure.

Our initial brief was to assess the development potential of the structure. Our Development appraisal established that the structure was worthy of retention and the following viability assessment showed that with a small increase in the floor area to form a lobby and bathroom meant that the scheme could be financially viable as well.

The delegated approval for a three bedroomed conversion included a Structural Report, a Bat and Owl Report and an Historical Assessment following discussions with the World Heritage Department of Cornwall Council.

The scheme fully embraces the ICOMOS principles

and will ensure that a Heritage asset is preserved and brought back into economic use.

A feeling of space was created with feature exposed roof trusses. A bathroom and bedroom were incorporated on the ground floor together with a living/kitchen area, with a further two bedrooms, one with an en-suite being designed within the roof void.

The exterior landscaping was kept natural with all the existing trees being retained, and Cornish hedging planted with native hedgerow vegetation.

In line with our sympathetic approach to this building the hard standing comprises of cobbles and traditional paving which blend in well with its surroundings.

We are very proud of this worthwhile World Heritage Site project as we have been able to utilise an otherwise redundant building to a building with a purpose.

Engine House Conversion, St Day, Cornwall World Heritage Site

Building features