The popular garden attraction required existing barns and cattle sheds to be refurbished to provide a new visitor centre, shop, café and toilet facilities as a gateway to the gardens. In line with National Trust policy, materials, construction and the building in use were required to have the lowest possible impact on the environment.
Timber frame construction was used with existing brick and flint walls. Natural paints and floor finishes were used throughout. Insulation materials included sheep’s wool and glass recycled from car windscreens. Heating and hot water are provided by solar panels, backed by a wood-pellet burner. Rainwater is harvested for use in toilets.
The project achieved a CPRE award from the Norfolk Society.
| Client: | National Trust |
| Contractor: | Smith of Honingham |
| Engineers: | Scott Wilson |
