OLD WOLVERTON

Warren Farm was an intact but derelict group of farm buildings in the area of Old Wolverton which is some 5 miles west of central Milton Keynes.

The refurbishment and development of this area into the Warren Farm Office Village was commissioned through an open competition process initiated by Milton Keynes Development Corporation. Our practice was awarded the project after winning the competition.

Warren House, a Listed building and the first farm house on the site dating back from the 18th Century, is a simple stone structure with a clay tiled pitched roof. The building is built into a bank and appears to be three storeys high on its eastern side, and two storeys high on the western side. The building was in need of extensive restoration and this was carried out using reclaimed materials from the site. It is now used as a self-contained office building and is in a new landscaped setting.

The Old Barn. also Listed, and dating from the 18th Century, is situated in the centre of the site. The stone structure and roof timbers were fully refurbished and re-roofed in Welsh slate. A matching timber boarded addition in the local vernacular style was introduced to provide further facilities without affecting the core of the existing building. An external area, enclosed by the barn and pond walls, provided a pleasant sheltered spot to enjoy the views across to the copse beyond.

The Grange, a completely derelict Edwardian farm house built in local red stock brick, was an imposing building in much need of repair. Many of the external features were replicated on the refurbishment whilst a contemporary extension provided the commercial entrance and secure facilities needed for modern office requirements. The building was fully refurbished and reorganised internally.