During an insightful conversation with Harriet Mitchell, Project Manager at Stolon Studio, her enthusiasm for their latest venture, The Parks, was unmistakable. We convened to delve into this groundbreaking project, a beacon of sustainable, community-oriented development in Herefordshire, UK. The initiative revitalised a collection of neglected agricultural buildings into eight new homes, a transformation Harriet was keen to elaborate upon.
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The Parks project posed significant challenges and opportunities. “The site was formerly a dairy farm with structures dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries,” Harriet shared, her passion evident. “These buildings had deteriorated substantially, and our first task was to determine what could be preserved and restored.” Stolon Studio’s commitment to maintaining the historical essence of these structures was remarkable. Original fireplaces were uncovered and restored, oak and elm beams were fortified with steel ties, and a significant amount of the original brick and stone was conserved. “In some instances, we straightened walls and beams instead of replacing them. We aimed to honour the past while creating homes that adhere to contemporary sustainability standards,” Harriet explained.
Central to The Parks is Stolon Studio’s ‘sociable housing’ model, a concept Harriet eloquently described. “Rather than isolating residents in individual homes, we designed shared spaces to foster interaction and mitigate rural loneliness. The homes are arranged around a central courtyard, which was once the farmyard. This layout naturally nurtures a sense of community.” The development features communal barns, gardens, wildlife areas, and meadows. Each home includes a private garden, yet shared amenities such as a meadow for growing food and a ‘Library of Things,’ where residents can borrow tools and equipment, enhance the communal spirit. “It’s about finding the right balance between privacy and communal living,” Harriet noted.
Sustainability is at the heart of The Parks. The homes are equipped with advanced systems, including air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and energy-efficient electrics and plumbing. “Our goal was to reduce both operational costs and carbon emissions,” Harriet emphasised. During the construction phase, the focus was on minimising waste, utilising local materials, and engaging local craftsmen. Even demolition waste was crushed and used as aggregate on-site, significantly reducing environmental impact. The landscape design also mirrors a commitment to sustainability, with wildflower meadows, new tree plantings, bat habitats, and ponds inspired by native hedgerows. “We aimed for the development to blend seamlessly with its rural environment,” Harriet said. “The red-toned materials of the buildings contrast beautifully with the soft white flowers and other native species in the landscape.”
Addressing the rising local demand for housing was a major impetus for The Parks. Harriet elaborated, “There’s a genuine need for quality housing in rural areas. People are increasingly seeking alternatives to urban living, and we wanted to create a development that offers not just homes but a sense of community and connection.” The homes at The Parks cater to a broad spectrum of housing needs, from families to downsizers and elderly residents. They range from three to five bedrooms, each retaining its original name, such as The Farmhouse, The Grain Mill, and The Winnows. “This preserves a link to the site’s agricultural past, which is important to us and to the new residents,” Harriet added.
As we toured The Parks, Harriet highlighted various features of the homes and communal areas. “See those green roofs on the garden sheds? They promote biodiversity and help manage rainwater,” she said, clearly proud of the meticulous thought behind every detail. An original millstone, preserved and integrated into the landscape, served as a poignant reminder of the site’s agricultural origins. “This serves as a reminder of the site’s agricultural origins,” Harriet remarked.
The dedication of Stolon Studio to every facet of The Parks is unmistakable. From preserving historical elements to implementing sustainable technologies and fostering a sense of community, this project exemplifies the potential of combining tradition with innovation. Reflecting on the impact of The Parks, Harriet expressed, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see these old buildings brought back to life and to witness a community taking shape. We hope that The Parks will serve as a model for sustainable, sociable housing in other rural areas.”
As I departed from The Parks, the harmonious blend of past and present and the cultivated sense of community left a lasting impression. This development not only addresses the pressing need for housing but also enhances the rural landscape and nurtures human connection.
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