We are delighted to announce our Whole Estate Plan for the Higham Estate has been Endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority at their…
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At Crosby Granger Architects, we pride ourselves on delivering thoughtful, sustainable, and technically rigorous solutions for historic buildings. Appointed by The Woodland Trust, we were privileged to lead the sensitive repair and adaptive reuse of three traditional barns in the remote and beautiful Snaizeholme valley, Yorkshire Dales National Park.
This project was more than a conservation challenge—it was a mission to breathe new life into a historic rural landscape while preserving its authentic character. The barns, integral to the valley’s agricultural heritage, were deteriorating yet held enormous cultural and architectural value. We were tasked with transforming these buildings into practical spaces supporting conservation efforts by the Woodland Trust staff and volunteers.
Working closely with The Woodland Trust, we provided a comprehensive suite of services through all stages of the RIBA Plan of work.
Our approach embodied our core principles: technical leadership, understated excellence, unwavering commitment, rich experience, specialist expertise, and hands-on dedication. We carefully balanced retaining original materials with necessary repairs, specifying traditional techniques—lime mortar, local sandstone slate, cast iron rainwater goods—while introducing subtle upgrades to meet functional needs, including welfare facilities, drainage, and communications.
Undertaking construction in Snaizeholme brought its own challenges. The valley is renowned for its extreme weather, from heavy rain to biting winds and deep snow. We have the deepest respect for the contractors and craftspeople who worked tirelessly through these harsh conditions to deliver the project to the highest standards. Their resilience and skill were vital in preserving these buildings for future generations.
This project exemplifies our expertise in bringing together conservation sensitivity with practical reuse. We believe historic buildings can remain vital, working assets, woven into the ongoing story of the landscapes they inhabit. The Snaizeholme barns now stand ready to serve the Woodland Trust’s important environmental work while safeguarding the architectural integrity and heritage significance of the valley.
At Crosby Granger Architects, we deliver more than conservation—we create enduring legacies that balance tradition, sustainability, and function. Whether working with rural farmsteads, listed buildings, or landscape-scale conservation projects, we bring meticulous attention, technical skill, and a deep respect for history to every commission. If you are looking to unlock the potential of your historic property, we would be delighted to help shape its future.
Water End House is a striking, modern family home set within a private estate overlooking Derwent Bay 🌿
Tasked with replacing the storm-damaged original dwelling, we delivered a modern design that features full-height glazing at ground level, a zinc-clad timber frame upper floor, and locally sourced materials including Burlington stone and lime mortar.
The result: a breathable, sustainable home that balances privacy, beauty, and context - contributing a contemporary chapter to the estate`s rich architectural story.
If you`re looking to unlock the potential of your historic property, we would be delighted to help shape its future. Get in touch through the link in our bio 🔗
#Architecture #LakeDistrictArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalHeritage #LakeDistrict
Jul 8
We were proud to act as Project Architect and Contract Administrator for a sensitive and rewarding build at Tarn Hows, Coniston - one of the Lake District’s most visited natural sites 🌲
Tasked with creating an education shelter and toilet facility in a protected and ecologically important area, we responded with a design that treads lightly on the landscape. Built using larch, beech, and oak sourced from natural windfall on the nearby National Trust estate and finished with a green sedum roof, this project is a celebration of local materials, sustainability, and place-sensitive design.
A careful collaboration with the Lake District National Park Authority ensured a result that supports both nature and visitor experience 👏
#SustainableArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalDesign #LakeDistrict
Jul 4
How can new design coexist with historical surroundings? 💭
Through thoughtful integration, modern design and heritage can work in harmony:
✨ Symbiosis - blending new forms with old foundations
🔍 Context is key - new additions should respect their setting
🏛 Adaptive reuse - preserving character while repurposing spaces
🛠 Structural integrity - honoring the past, building for the future
We help clients navigate this balance with expertise and care. Find out more about what we offer through the link in our bio 🔗
#Askthearchitect #Kendal #Architecture #Conservation #Architectadvice #ArchitectCareers
Jul 2
We are delighted to announce our Whole Estate Plan for the Higham Estate has been Endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority at their…
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Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome Year 12 Product Design students to Crosby Granger Architects HQ for an inspiring insight into the world of architecture….
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At Crosby Granger Architects, we understand that estates are more than just land—they are living, breathing legacies. Drawing from over a decade of excellence in…
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