The renovation of Wraxall Yard

Wraxall Yard forms part of a 250-acre organic farm. The renovation is part of a visionary project by the owners to improve the biodiversity of the landscape as well as provide universal access to it.

Nick Read from Wraxall Yard shared: ‘Driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with farming and wildlife, the brief called for an ambitious renovation of the derelict site that would provide exemplary standards of accessibility and sustainability, without compromising the unique historic and agricultural character of the existing buildings.’

The derelict agricultural buildings provide inclusive holiday accommodations, a community space, workshop, rural experiences and education to people, including those with disabilities.

Clementine Blakemore Architects informed: “The structural approach to the buildings was guided by a desire to retain as much of the original fabric as possible.”

The renovation was carried out by experts, the materials were mostly recycled or other natural products such as plywood roof sheating.

Photo
Lorenzo Zandri

Since it opened as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company in July 2022, roughly 60% of the bookings have been families with a disabled member.

The community space has also been offered free of charge for events such a gathering for isolated elderly people, and this month a volunteer scheme is being launched with the Dorset AONB as part of a drive to get young people with mental health and/or addiction issues engaged in the countryside.

In addition to working closely with the Centre for Accessible Environments, CBA held design consultations with disabled people to better understand their experiences, and accommodate their needs as elegantly as possible.

Quoted from the architects: “There are no special routs, ramps or handrails for wheelchair users; instead the topography and layout of the pathways have been designed to create gently sloping access. It is designed to ensure easy circulation with generous turning circles and clear access to windows and doors. Switches, handles, hooks and hanging rails are at an accessible height, door handles contrast with the frames for increased visibility, and vibrating fire alarms are available for those hard of hearing.“

The buildings are reached along a curved pathway surrounded by a coppiced nuttery, through the ‘breezeway’ (a roofed passage through one of the barns), and via the planted courtyard. This calm, enclosed space is connected to the wider landscape via a boardwalk, where a number of regenerative agriculture measures have been implemented, such as the introduction of wild honey bees and the creation of woodland pasture.

The open farm yard , which is also refurbished, provides a flexible space to be used by the local community as well as allowing holiday guests to engage with animals.

‘ It has been a privilege to work for an organisation whose values align so closely with our own, and to have an opportunity to create a project with well-being and equality at its heart. It has benefitted from the attention to detail and level of quality that a client might apply to their own home, alongside an admirable ambition to have a wide-reaching social and environmental impact.‘, said architect Clementine Blakemore.