Blaengwy

Hidden in a remote valley close to the Brecon Beacons National Park is a Welsh hillside farmstead called Blaengwy. The clients wanted to retain the sites timeless character and charm, whilst adding a significant extension to the farmhouse and converting the historic threshing barn into a home.

Form and massing of the new structures reference vernacular pitched roof barns typical of the Welsh Landscape. New living spaces work with the sites natural topography to provide shelter against prevailing weather conditions whilst allowing the existing Farm buildings to remain the focus.

A gentle dialogue between old and new was developed using a material palette of traditionally agricultural materials applied in a contemporary manner. Historical analysis revealed that one of the barns was previously much longer, possibly a traditional Welsh Longhouse, the design reinstates this historical footprint using a sympathetic, but contemporary language.

The wider site will undergo a process of re-wilding, using natural techniques to encourage native wildlife to once again take hold in this forgotten corner of the Welsh countryside.

The project will start on site in 2024.

Wilding Wagon

Set on a picturesque Welsh hillside is a lovingly converted old railway carriage, blending memories of the golden railway age with homely comfort. The carriage retains all the old carriages character and charm, while incorporating the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Internally, a cozy living area is perfect for unwinding by the wood-burning stove after a day of exploring the Welsh hillsides.

Reminiscent of a bygone era the carriage has been lovingly restored using traditional materials and techniques to create a warm comfortable holiday let which blends comfortably with the surrounding landscape.

The project was designed from first principals to have minimal environmental impact. The locally sourced carriage provides the basic shell whilst composting toilets and a hot water and heating system powered by fuel grown on site provide a minimal ongoing environmental footprint.

Project Credits

Photography: Adam Barker

Upper Ferley

Upper Ferley

Nidus Architects have been commissioned to convert an existing barn into living accommodation. The barn is attached to an 18th Century farmers cottage in Mid Wales.

A simple treatment of the exterior helps to retain the character and charm of the original barn, whilst internally a double height space is filled with natural light to create a new living space.

Pen y Common

Nestled on a secluded hillside above Hay-on-Wye is Pen-y-Common. A Seventeenth Century Welsh longhouse. The clients wanted a modern, light filled extension, however it also needed to sit comfortably with, and compliment the existing house.

Form and massing reference vernacular pitched roof structures typical of the Welsh Landscape. Intersecting volumes allude to the rural farmstead tradition of ad-hoc development, the pitched roof is a time tested solution for dealing with the harsh Welsh climate whilst the building steps with the sites natural topography, hunkering into the landscape to provide shelter against prevailing winds.

A dialogue between old and new was developed using a material palette of natural, raw finishes inspired by traditional Welsh practices. Floors are buffed concrete, a modern take on traditional flagstones whilst the untreated larch cladding was grown, cut, dried and machined within ten miles of the site.

Thoughtful, sustainable detailing has been employed throughout. For example the cladding has a random width pattern to reduce unnecessary waste, with offcuts being used elsewhere, such as to make the front door.

The project has been recognised with multiple awards including the RSAW Welsh Architecture Building of the Year 2023 and an RIBA National Award 2023 given to buildings in recognition of their significant contribution to Architecture. Pen y Common was undertaken by both Nidus Architects and Rural Office. Rural Office undertook work through RIBA stages 1 to 3. Nidus Architects undertook work through RIBA Stages 3 to 7.

Project Credits

Photography: Finn Beales

RIBA stages 1-3: Rural Office

Contractors: Jenkinson Builders and Firth Construction

Structural Engineer: RV Williams Associates

Awards

RSAW: Welsh Architecture Building of the Year 2023

RSAW: Welsh Architecture Conservation Project of the Year 2023

RSAW: Welsh Architecture Small Project of the Year 2023

RSAW: Regional Award 2023

RIBA: National Award 2023

Eisteddfod: Gold medal for Architecture Winner

The Old Grazing

The Old Grazing

The Old Grazing is situated in a quiet part of rural Herefordshire. Our brief was to create a large family home that responds to the site. A contemporary response using traditional forms and materials was well received by planners and the project is currently on site nearing completion.