Winterbourne Barns

Winterbourne Medieval Barn is a building of national importance dating from 1342 and is Grade II* listed. The barn is an outstanding example of a raised-cruck construction, one of the largest and earliest of its kind, and is unique in being one of the few buildings of the medieval agrarian economy still surviving in England. Working with the Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust and South Gloucestershire Council, WWA led the transformation of the site and buildings into a heritage centre for a local community.

The practice was appointed as architects and lead consultants for the design, specification and administration of the building and conservation work on site, which has successfully secured the future of the barn and the wider site for future generations. The completed project revitalises the site as a local heritage centre and venue for weddings, music and theatre performances, a wide range of educational and family activities, and craft workshops for local artists and businesses.

Particular skill is needed to balance the often conflicting demands between increasing commercial activity at a historic site such as this whilst at the same time ensuring that the special characteristics that makes this site so significant are not harmed by the intensification of use. WWA understands these issues and the Winterbourne Barn scheme is the latest project to be successfully delivered by our team of specialist architects and planners, further enhancing our reputation in the heritage sector.

Working with Somerset contractor Corbel Conservation, WWA Studios delivered this £1.7 million project on time and on budget; a significant achievement given the complexities of the scheme.

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