As part of the restoration of Maplehurst House, a Grade II* listed Cotswolds estate, a series of disused outbuildings has been thoughtfully converted into a contemporary pool and spa barn. The design creates a distinct and rejuvenating wellness retreat that honours its agricultural heritage while introducing a layer of modern luxury.
A pivotal aspect of the project was working within a conservation area, which required careful collaboration with conservation officers to meet the stipulations of the Cotswolds Local Plan. The challenge was to introduce a contemporary, high-performance spa environment without compromising the heritage form of the barns. Our solution was a masterplan that thoughtfully repurposed the entire complex: new utility, boot room and gym facilities are linked to the main house, while a new Cotswold stone courtyard leads out to the pool and spa suite, guest accommodation, and an entertainment barn.
Inspired by the renowned spa at The Newt, the design of the spa barn balances opulent touches with the authentic character of the original structure. A stunning waterfall wall and floor-to-ceiling Crittall glazing introduce light and a sense of calm, creating an environment focused on wellbeing.
At one end of the vaulted space, a mezzanine level houses a glazed steam room, providing an elevated and distinct experience within the larger volume. Every detail is designed to create a private home spa that feels both luxurious and completely at ease in its historic setting. To meet the stipulations of the Cotswolds Local Plan and minimise the property’s environmental impact, we introduced a renewable energy provision, installing a Ground Source Heat Pump to serve the site, supported by a ground-mounted PV array.
The surrounding landscape design has biodiversity at its core, with native flowering plants and shrubs introduced to create a positive biodiversity gain for the estate and the wider local environment.
The design vision of this garden is to compliment the style of the contemporary new home, support the local planning policy to minimise environmental impact, and create a series of interconnecting, Japanese-inspired gardens holistically considered and integrated with the living spaces.
As first coined by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson, this is ‘biophilia design’, a response to the recognition that we possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. Kingbury House will be a truly indoor-outdoor home, where the gardens and setting play an integral and symbiotic role with the building and local natural environment.
The garden is split over 2 levels, each of which will be given a different feeling and use. The hard landscape focuses on natural materials such as timber, stone, and clay, alongside British and wildlife supporting vegetation such as Betula, Ilex and Taxus. Our designs meet our clients’ desire for an Asian-Oriental garden style – yet realised via a range of native plant species that will support the local natural environment, habitat and wildlife.
Designing with British and North European native species doesn’t have to mean a messy meadow or wild borders. Kingbury House garden will be beautifully structured and serene, with a palette of plants where every single one will be native and good for biodiversity. Sustainability in harmony with design will be at the heart of this garden.
In the lower garden, local British materials will be used alongside water, introduced to the scheme via a series of ponds and small features to reduce noise pollution and to further support biodiversity and the local wildlife.
Kingbury House is the realisation of a truly holistic design between building and garden; architecture and landscape design. A contemporary vision with a sustainability-led purpose that succeeds through the collaboration of ideas and values from the very start.
Leisure & Lifestyle
Architecture
Cotswolds
In-Design