Holiday Flats by Clementine Blakemore

In the British county of Dorset, Clementine Blakemore Architects have transformed a group of dilapidated agricultural buildings into holiday flats as part of a 250-ha organic farm.  

Conceived for flexible use 

The old barns stand in a nature reserve in West Dorset. They date back to the 19th century and are adjacent to an historically protected church. The project is based on a concept for flexible use whereby the farm can be rented either as a complete ensemble or as five individual holiday units. There is also a communal space that is available free of charge for social activities. 

Barrier-free access 

Part of the overall concept is barrier-free access; this encompasses not only the buildings themselves, but also the landscape. To this end, the topography and arrangement of paths have been designed to form a gentle slope towards the structures. The flats are frequently reserved by families with a disabled family member. Moreover, supported holidays for physically challenged people will be offered in the future.  

Barrier-free flats 

The holiday flats also follow the barrier-free philosophy. They are arranged on a level area, offer large turning radii for those using wheelchairs and offer simple access to windows and doors. In addition, there are barrier-free bathtubs and height-adjustable beds. The latter are made of solid Douglas fir and fit in with the rest of the joinery work. In no way does the design seem clinical; rather, it is cosy and inviting. 

A dark-coloured floor of polished concrete enhances the robust appearance.  © Emma Lewis

Updating the traditional buildings 

In updating the buildings, Clementine Blakemore Architects attempted to preserve as much of the old complex as possible. The wooden roof trusses have been either reinforced or, when necessary, recreated using Douglas fir. The same can be said for the exterior walls, which have been mended where needed with Portland stone, boulder stonework, Purbeck stone, Forest marble and chalk. Most of the building openings have been maintained and fitted with steel doors and window frames of either steel or Douglas fir.  

Robust interiors 

The traditional features are discernible inside as well. A dark-coloured floor of polished concrete enhances the robust appearance. A subtle indication of the barrier-free composition is the light-green wooden wainscoting, which can be repainted if it incurs wheelchair damage and clearly demonstrates how functionality can be combined with felicitous design.