Julian Bicknell Associates - Architecture of Fine Quality

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FARMHOUSE, NORTH ENGLAND

Planning permission approved proposals for the extensive development of an existing 19^th C stone-built farm complex in a beautiful secluded valley in the North West of England. The concept was to create a back-history of the buildings with a 12^th C peel tower set on the rocky promontory to the SE, and a range of 16^th C domestic and farm buildings connecting to the 19^th C farmhouse – together enclosing the farmyard.

The buildings are laid out as a spacious holiday home for family and guests, with the usual reception rooms and services, a billiard room, library – and eight bedroom suites. All the buildings employ the extremely hard, local sandstone in a range of finishes from honed-ashlar to dry-stone walling – the ‘older’ building employing larger more crudely cut stones. The walls of the peel tower are six feet thick incorporating deep window- and door- reveals, massive fireplaces - and hidden cupboards and staircases in the wall thickness. The wall walk at roof level has magnificent views over the neighbouring fells.

Julian Bicknell & Associates is a London based architectural practice of thirty years standing, specialising in quality buildings, interiors and landscapes - mainly in classical or traditional style. The practice has worked for private clients and developers all over the UK and in Japan, Russia, the USA, Morocco, Germany and Kazakhstan. The work includes spacious country houses, luxury homes on the prestige estates at Wentworth and St. Georges Hill, museums, restaurants, theatres, schools, a golf club and modifications to important historic buildings. The design philosophy combines a deep sympathy for traditional design and building methods, with a full understanding of energy strategies and construction management. The practice works closely with other professionals and experienced craftsmen to achieve low-energy buildings of real quality within predetermined budgets.