In July of 2020 we completed the Lake Head Visitor facilities in one of the most sensitive sites in the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lake District National Park.
Lake Head is the entrance to one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK, accessing England’s highest mountains from a unique destination enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many people come to walk to the top of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, to explore the wider mountainous landscape, enjoy walking along Wastwater lake shore, or simply to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this remote valley.
Our client, The National Trust, is committed to looking after the nation’s special places for ever, for everyone.
Since the early 2000’s The National Trust have been working towards the introduction of new visitor toilet facility at Lake Head adjacent to the car park in order to improve the experience for visitors and reduce the inconvenience for residents and businesses in the valley. By sensitively making a number of separate, but related change and improvement projects, we believe we can improve Wasdale for the better, solve or reduce some of the problems that have hindered the valley for decades so that Wasdale can be enjoyed by everyone, for ever. The project at Lakehead was the first of those improvements.
The new facilities have been designed with a keen awareness and understanding of the landscape and environmental sensitivity of Lake Head site adjacent to the Wastwater SSSI, the current and projected visitor numbers and the purpose and nature of those visits. In no way does the development intend to accommodate or attract an increased number of visitors to the Valley.
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was with great thanks to the team at John Carr Construction Ltd that we could bring this complex project to a complete in both a timely manner and well within the available budget.
“It was therefore such a pleasure to listen to you explaining what you see for the site, and the sorts of designs you have already thought about and come up with. It’s a delight to hear an architect who not only really believes in what he is saying and describing, but then actually puts it into action as well; and it was quite obvious that this belief and desire was coming from you, not just because your client has asked you to do something and you were trying to ‘sell it’. I’m always very appreciative of those who carry through the strength of their convictions, whatever they are – not just in the planning process”
Lake District National Park Authority
Revitalising and expanding a Lake District heritage asset 🌿
We crafted a spacious, dynamic and design-centric concept, involving the replacement of an outdated single-story kitchen and family room. Crucial to the project was the enhancement of panoramic views showcasing the breathtaking landscape - a feature overlooked in the original structure.
Additionally, the proposal prioritiwed the restoration of thermal and airtight efficiencies, which had gradually failed. The revitalisation effort extended beyond mere cosmetic improvements. A holistic approach addressed the property’s infrastructure, leading to the rewiring and replumbing of the original house.
Do you have a renovation project of your own? Get in touch with us 👉 link in bio
#Conservation #LakeDistrict #Architecture
Apr 20
Pre tender visit to Dallam Estate Three Towers 📍
We have been asked to prepare a tender for Historic England, who have been given delegated authority by Defra to support Historic & Archaeological Feature Protection Grants under Countryside Stewardship.
This is part of the Environmental Land Management scheme and provides financial incentives for farmers and land managers to protect and improve the environment, including the historic environment.
These grants are awarded via the Rural Payments Agency. The Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service has a remit to provide pre-application support, application assessment and post-award monitoring for the RPA.
A great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our historic landscape 👏
#Architects #HistoricEngland #Architecture
Apr 17
Two of our Architects, Will and Luke, recently had the opportunity to attend a heritage skills training day at Levens Hall 🙌
The session was led by accredited Conservation-Restorer and Stonemason Brendan Teasdale, delivered as part of a grant-funded re-roofing project at Levens.
The morning began with an insightful presentation exploring the use of lime in building conservation. In the afternoon, they took part in a practical session focused on the application of lime mortar, learning how to prepare and mix it, before applying it to the Potting Sheds using pointing and wet dash techniques.
A brilliant day of learning and preserving traditional skills 👏
#Architecture #Conservation
Apr 16
At Tarn Hows, a picturesque site within the Lake District National Park, Crosby Granger Architects is involved in conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the area's natural beauty and historical significance. Our projects focus on maintaining traditional pathways, restoring historic stone structures, and implementing sustainable practices to protect this cherished landscape for future generations.
Designed for the National Trust, our contemporary education shelter at Windermere blends sustainable materials with the woodland landscape. This thoughtfully crafted structure serves as a learning space, encouraging environmental awareness. The project exemplifies our commitment to designing with nature and creating architecture that complements its surroundings.
