BOWER HOUSE
The sensitive extension and refurbishment of a Palladian Grade I listed building into a large educational facility, Havering-Atte-Bower
Set within a stunning 17-acre wooded site in Epping Forest, this redevelopment project showcases the thoughtful transformation of a recreational camp. Located in the London Metropolitan Green Belt, the concept embraces traditional Essex agricultural style while creating an inviting and peaceful space for reflection and recreation. Our client, a charitable trust, tasked us with reimagining the site to better serve its purpose as a destination for relaxation and community engagement. The brief included:
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Refurbishment of four existing cabins.
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Construction of 42 new timber-clad cabins.
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A new caretaker's dwelling.
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A versatile central pavilion building for communal use.
Several factors required careful consideration, including the site’s location within London’s protected Metropolitan Green Belt, near Hainault Forest and Chigwell Row’s Local Nature Reserve. The design needed to minimise impact on the nearby village and woodland environment while respecting local community concerns. Additionally, we integrated existing structures into a cohesive, refreshed design concept that harmonised with the natural surroundings.
OUR
APPROACH
Modern methods of construction played a key role in our design, incorporating Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for the new cabins and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for the central pavilion. These materials allowed us to embrace contemporary techniques while drawing inspiration from traditional Essex agricultural structures, characteridsed by pitched roofs and vertical, random-width timber cladding.
Respecting the site’s natural environment was central to our approach. All new cabins are elevated on helical micro piles rather than conventional concrete slabs, in order to minimise the environmental impact and preserving the ecology.
The proposed central pavilion mirrors the proportions of a traditional Essex barn, with an H-shaped layout. Its double-height central hall is flanked by two-storey wings housing a kitchen, dining area, offices, and WC facilities.
This building complements the surrounding cabins, which offer diverse layouts to accommodate a range of guests, creating a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetic integration with the natural surroundings.
PROJECT
GALLERY
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
The total building area of 2000m2 (which includes the construction of 42 new cabins, three updated cabins, a new central pavilion, plant room and a new caretaker's dwelling plus all landscaping) has a projected cost of £3.9 million.
STATUS
The Epping Forest District Council's District Development Management Committee overwhelmingly approved the scheme.