“Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation by Bindloss Dawes: Blending Heritage and Contemporary Design”

Bindloss Dawes has masterfully transformed Pitcombe’s Old School House, a Grade-II listed 19th-century property in Somerset, into a harmonious blend of historic character and contemporary architecture. Originally built in 1864 as a local village school and converted into a residence in the 1940s, the property underwent a poorly executed 1970s extension that compromised its original charm. In 2018, Bindloss Dawes was commissioned to reimagine the home, resulting in a renovation that balances historic preservation, sustainable construction, and modern living.

Reviving a Historic Somerset Schoolhouse

The renovation began with the removal of the 1970s bedroom wing, allowing Bindloss Dawes to reintroduce clarity and coherence to the building’s layout. Drawing inspiration from the original structure, the architects designed an all-timber extension that respects the massing, rooflines, and proportions of the historic schoolhouse while introducing clean, contemporary lines.

This new addition reflects Bindloss Dawes’ signature attention to materiality, craftsmanship, and contextual sensitivity, creating a bold yet sympathetic extension. The design resolves previous layout inefficiencies, creating a balanced, functional, and visually striking home.

Sustainable Timber Construction

The extension is constructed with a highly insulated, cost-effective timber frame and clad entirely in English sweet chestnut. This choice of timber emphasizes sustainability, stability, and elegance, while the natural weathering process gradually transforms the façade into a soft, silvery grey, complementing the stonework of the original building.

Innovative cladding compositions were tested using models and maquettes. Vertical boards at the roof and first-floor levels allow rainwater drainage via concealed gutters, while broader, horizontal cladding at ground level breaks down the scale of the building, giving it a human, approachable feel.

Interior Design: Light, Views, and Flow

Windows play a pivotal role in the design, creating visual harmony with the historic schoolhouse and framing panoramic views of the Somerset valley. The primary bedroom on the upper floor acts as a serene retreat, with carefully positioned glazing capturing sunlight at different times of day. On the lower floor, each room is oriented to embrace varying aspects of the landscape, ensuring natural light and scenic views throughout.

A glazed link building, featuring patinated galvanized steel doors, connects the old and new wings. This garden room provides seamless access to the surrounding landscape and allows residents to enjoy the sunset. The extension’s floors and staircase integrate micro-cement at lower levels with rough-sawn chestnut above, echoing the external cladding and reinforcing continuity between interior and exterior materials.

A Collaborative Approach to Interior Styling

The interior design was realized in close collaboration with the clients, Farrow & Ball colour curator Joa Studholme and her husband, Andrew. Joa carefully curated color palettes to complement the high ceilings, timber beams, and furniture. The home is further personalized with artwork and collections that reflect the clients’ style, resulting in interiors that are both contemporary and characterful.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. The high-insulation timber extension minimizes heat loss, while thermal separation between the new and historic buildings allows for independent heating according to daily use. Locally sourced timber was prioritized to reduce embodied energy, while supporting regional craftsmanship.

A Testament to Contextual Design

The Pitcombe Old School House renovation stands as a model for integrating contemporary architecture within historic settings. Bindloss Dawes successfully balances heritage preservation, sustainability, and modern living, delivering a home that is visually compelling, environmentally responsible, and perfectly attuned to its scenic Somerset valley context.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design, careful material selection, and collaborative client engagement can transform a historic building into a timeless, functional, and sustainable home.

All photographs are works of  Francesca Iovene