Old Farm | Levitate Architects

The Evans house comprises five former agricultural buildings loosely arranged around a farmyard. These buildings have been built over the last five centuries, which has resulted in a slightly haphazard, if charming, arrangement. All of the existing spaces were relatively small, dark and disparate. One of these buildings is a 14th century farmhouse, originally built on the estate of Glastonbury Abbey. This had been neglected for decades when the site was purchased. The Farmhouse underwent restoration as part of the works, which removed it from the English Heritage Buildings At Risk Register. Our brief was to reconceive this loose collection of buildings as a sustainable modern home. This was achieved by linking two of the existing buildings together with a new ‘empty’ space. This new space was conceived as a ‘grove’, an open plan, covered, light-filled space that contrasted with, but complimented the existing buildings. This space is at the centre of the new home - the final piece in the jigsaw that made sense of the whole. A new seating area is arranged at the west end, enjoying the full benefit of views to Glastonbury Tor, a regional landmark. Built to the highest standards, this contemporary intervention is a new chapter in the story of this unique place.