CASE STUDY
Clementine Blakemore Architects
Stonewood Builders
Telephone: 01993 833155
Surrounded by rolling fields, wetlands and a riverbank, Wraxall Yard is situated in the heart of the West Country. Clementine Blakemore Architects were entrusted to convert and rebuild a collection of derelict barns for this not-for-profit organisation, run by father-daughter team, Nick and Katie Read. The philosophy behind this project – to create a multifunctional development with accessibility for all; with an educational farm, community space and a series of holiday cottages. As the collection of buildings sat within the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was essential the buildings were sympathetically restored, retaining the agricultural aesthetic.
The Neo Rooflights played an instrumental role in creating cross ventilation in conjunction with the doors, ensuring the spaces were not only light and bright, but also well-ventilated for the comfort of its guests. Accessibility at the core of the project was the driving factor for requiring motorised opening rooflights with rain sensors, allowing visitors to have full control of room temperatures with ease.
Testimony to the design and quality of the project is the High Commendation received by Clementine Blakemore Architects in the 2023 MacEwen Awards and winning the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards
This project gallery showcases the sensitive restoration of derelict barns into inclusive, light-filled accommodation. The images highlight vaulted ceilings, Neo Rooflights, reclaimed materials and the calm, natural atmosphere that defines Wraxall Yard.
“We wanted any interventions in the buildings to be clearly legible as new additions, whilst remaining sensitive to the historic and agricultural character of the site. We chose the Rooflight Company’s neo rooflights for their simple, contemporary appearance, high-quality black steel frame, and functionality. It was a pleasure to work with the technical team to successfully integrate the rooflights into the design, which include exposed spruce ply sheathing internally and ‘Double Roman’ clay tiles externally.”
Clementine Blakemore
/
Director
Surrounded by rolling fields, wetlands and a riverbank, Wraxall Yard is situated in the heart of the West Country. Clementine Blakemore Architects were entrusted to convert and rebuild a collection of derelict barns for this not-for-profit organisation, run by father–daughter team, Nick and Katie Read. The philosophy behind the project was to create a multifunctional development with accessibility for all, including an educational farm, community space and holiday cottages.
As the buildings sat within the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was essential that they were sympathetically restored, retaining the agricultural aesthetic. Once the brief was defined, it was clear the properties would require plenty of natural lighting. As the project moved to RIBA Stage 2 with construction still in concept design, Clementine Blakemore sought support from our team on the best approach to rooflight integration.
Clementine explained the rooflights’ instrumental role in creating cross-ventilation alongside the doors, ensuring the spaces were not only bright and airy but also well-ventilated for guest comfort. Accessibility was central to the project, driving the need for motorised opening rooflights with rain sensors, allowing visitors full control of room temperature with ease.
Originally, planners stated a preference for conservation rooflights. However, the architect was explicit in her preference for the Neo Rooflight for this specific project.
The concealed jamb motors unique to The Rooflight Co’s Neo design were a feature the architect was eager to incorporate for their ability to create a clean flush external installation, frameless lining-to-glass appearance internally, and unobstructed views for guests looking out to the fields beyond.
The planners agreed, allowing Clementine to specify seven Neo Rooflights. The main barn now serves as a community area, with holiday cottages arranged around a central courtyard. Vaulted ceilings with Neo Rooflights throughout bring abundant natural light and a sense of tranquillity to the interiors.
Installing top lighting created the airy, peaceful spaces both the architect and owners envisioned. While many of the original trusses and purlins needed replacing, materials were salvaged, repaired and reused wherever possible. These were paired with naturally derived, low-carbon materials – particularly wood fibre insulation. The juxtaposition of old and new worked beautifully and reflected Clementine Blakemore’s sensitive design approach.
Selecting Neo Rooflights complemented and integrated seamlessly into this scheme, supporting the goal of creating accessible, inclusive, light-filled accommodation. Together with owners Nick and Katie Read, the architects delivered a high-quality renovation that balances high-tech specification with natural beauty and rural charm.
This thoughtful design was recognised with a High Commendation in the 2023 MacEwen Awards and as a winner of the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards.
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Meet the experts behind this project – our dedicated team who brought this vision to life.
Passionate about helping people make the most of natural light in their spaces, Becca works closely with you to find the right solution for your project. She’s here to make the process simple and stress-free, taking care of not just the rooflight but also all the extra details and accessories needed for a smooth installation. Whatever the size or style of your project, Becca is ready to support you every step of the way.
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