About the project

Sherborne House, an 18th century Grade I listed building with a Medieval and Tudor wing, subsequently built on by
an 18th century Georgian house, is significant for its architectural merit and connections to Sir James Thornhill.
After standing empty for over 30 years, The Sherborne House Trust embarked on an ambitious plan to restore and
repurpose the landmark as a hub for cultural activities with a new home for Dorset Visual Arts Trust.

The project preserved the building’s historic beauty while adding exhibition and function spaces. Structural interventions ranged from bespoke historic fabric repairs to sensitive alterations to the main structure for improved circulation. An elegant glulam frame was designed for the pavilion extension, and intense excavations were carried out for the new plantroom basement. Retaining walls, paving details, and restoration of listed boundary walls enhanced the landscape.

A wide array of structural repair techniques were employed, and creative thinking toward the structure enabled the enhancement of circulation through such an historic fabric. Innovative structural assessment techniques minimised the cost and use of raw materials, while careful consideration of excavating a deep basement in adverse ground conditions near a Grade I listed building led to a remarkable achievement, all whilst protecting the historically significant Thornhill murals, for which the building is celebrated.

The glulam frame provided the required additional space without competing with the original building’s
architectural significance. The project brings benefits to the community, end-users, and everyone involved
throughout the design and construction process. Sherborne House is a remarkable example of good engineering
and a success story of breathing new life into a heritage structure, using innovative techniques and technologies
while enhancing a historic asset without compromising conservation or sustainability principles.