Celebrating a Decade of Barefoot Architects
2024 our 10 year Anniversary
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Barefoot Architects, and what a year it has been! Reflecting on the past decade, we’re incredibly proud of our team’s growth, the success of our projects, and the meaningful collaborations that have defined our journey. With four inspiring away days and numerous projects completed, inhabited, and loved by our clients, it’s been a milestone year for us with planning permissions aplenty and construction work across a range of projects in progress! Thanks to all for being a part of our journey together.
Highlights from Our Tenth Year
One of the standout achievements has been the completion of Hazelmead - Bridport Cohousing, led by Rob. This groundbreaking project is now the largest cohousing community in the UK, fully inhabited and providing a mix of affordable tenures. Managed by a Community Land Trust, it will remain affordable in perpetuity. The project—the result of over 12 years of work—was initially launched by Sam and represents a beacon of hope for community-led housing. It’s a shining example of how housing can be more affordable, sustainable, and neighborly. Hazelmead has been submitted for several awards, and we look forward to seeing it celebrated next year.
Transforming Homes for the Future
This year also saw the completion of several radical retrofits, transforming existing homes into sustainable spaces. Will has led numerous innovative projects in South Devon, including Salcombe. Martina’s work on ‘The Quest’ in Abbots Leigh took a dated 1950s bungalow and added a second storey, creating bright, modern spaces. The retrofit significantly enhanced the home’s environmental performance with external wall insulation, insulated floors, and roofs. It’s another successful collaboration with Missiato.
Breaking Ground and New Beginnings
Elsewhere in Abbots Leigh, David has led the start of a unique eco-community project—the Wapan Houses. Using masonry from a dismantled farmhouse, the design incorporates two partially subterranean homes around a shared courtyard garden designed by Sarah Price Landscapes. The project prioritizes biodiversity net gain, earning Building with Nature accreditation, and will be net-zero carbon. We’re collaborating closely with a local contractor to deliver this within a prime cost contract.
In Bristol, Jess, Julian, and Ashley have been preparing the technical design for 26 affordable homes for the City Council. Construction will begin in the new year with contractor Stepnells. Down in the Chew Valley, Dave and Sam achieved a hard-won planning permission for a greenbelt replacement dwelling. The house’s design reflects Somerset’s longhouse typology and incorporates sustainable timber frame systems.
Supporting Communities
We’re proud of the completion of The Swannery youth centre for the Wellspring Settlement. Overseen by Maria, this project transformed a dilapidated pub into a vibrant community space, including a new home for the Somali Resource Centre. Funded by the Youth Investment Fund, it’s a powerful example of how architecture can support communities.
Looking Ahead
As our practice grows, so does our team. Adam has achieved planning permission for a Grade II Listed office on Queen Square in Bristol, transforming it into homes. Dave continues to lead an extraordinary retrofit project in Sneyd Park, combining sustainability and style.
Finally, our incredible practice manager, Peta, is preparing for maternity leave in January. Her contribution has been invaluable, and we wish her all the best.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our podcast, ‘Building Community’, and continue working on transformative projects that make a difference. Thank you to our team, clients, collaborators, contractors, and suppliers for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next decade of Barefoot Architects, creating a better future together!