We are leading the restoration and reuse of Bretforton Grange – a Grade II* listed former monastery – as a retreat for creative excellence, education and innovation in the performing arts.
Our brief is to sensitively convert the historic Grange to include nourishing residential and communal spaces for eight artists to live, work and create together.
The main Grange building will be complemented by a new-build rehearsal space and landscape strategy creating open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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Central to our approach has been ensuring the plan layout and figure ground of the Grange is respected, with minimal sub-division and modifications to the historic fabric only where necessary.
Our spatial strategy configures the Grange as a Hall House in reference to its monastic origins. This grand shared space will encourage guests to gather rather than stay isolated in bedrooms.
Separate withdrawing spaces for 1:1conversations, individual working and writing are created in other parts of the building.
Where opportunities arise to repair and preserve the heritage fabric, we are choosing to keep visible as much texture as possible to celebrate the wonderful material qualities.
To honour the historic bones of the building, all new components are conceived as furniture objects within rooms rather than adding new layers, such as ‘bed boxes’ and freestanding bathroom units.
Furniture will be commissioned locally as highly refined contemporary joinery pieces sitting alongside the retained fabric.
The sensitive conversion of Bretforton Grange will establish a series of spaces for creative collaboration and secure the meaningful use of a historic estate for generations to come.
By nurturing the physical and mental wellbeing of the resident artists, it is hoped the development of new and innovative theatrical work with be accelerated.
