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Straw Bale House, Wimborne

Location: Wimborne, Dorset

Client: National Trust

Architect: St Ann’s Gate Architects

Value: £0.3M

Following a major fire that destroyed two semi-detached listed cob cottages, SFK Consulting was appointed to advise on structural options for their restoration or replacement.

The site required a solution that respected the traditional character of the original buildings while addressing modern performance requirements.

The fire had rendered the original cob structures beyond repair, necessitating demolition while still responding sensitively to the historic setting. A key challenge was identifying an appropriate construction method that reflected traditional materials and techniques, while ensuring structural reliability and compliance with modern standards.

SFK provided structural advice for the replacement scheme, which adopted an innovative yet contextually appropriate approach using straw bale construction.

The new cottages were formed using a timber structural frame to carry vertical loads, with straw bales providing infill and insulation, finished with lime render to maintain breathability and a traditional appearance. The design was developed in collaboration with the Dorset Centre for Rural Skills.

The completed cottages successfully combine traditional building principles with sustainable construction methods.

The use of straw bales and lime render provides excellent thermal performance while maintaining a visual connection to the original cob cottages. The project demonstrates a sensitive and environmentally conscious approach to rebuilding within a historic context.

Project Categories

New Buildings Education Country Houses Historic Parks & Gardens Commercial Residential Ancient Monuments Ecclesiastical Agricultural & Industrial Post-Fire Restoration

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