Conversion of Smithy into Dwelling

Project Brief
Type: Conversion / Residential
Area (m2): 200
Budget:
Features:
ARCO₂ were employed to carry out a sympathetic conversion of this former Smithy which was originally the Wheal Agar mine captain’s office constructed circa 1923. Its location alongside the listed Wheal Agar engine house puts this delicate timber frame building in full public view. ARCO₂ were given the brief to sympathetically convert the timber frame building into a 3 bedroomed dwelling whilst maintaining the existing appearance of the building. The project evolved around the need to be truly sustainable at every juncture. The reuse of existing windows, all internal stud work timber, claddings, roofing slates and timber floorboards meant that ARCO₂ could fulfil many sustainable credentials which are key to the practice ethos.
The introduction of a further internal timber frame structure enabled the building to be insulated with 300mm of recycled newspaper throughout the roof and walls. The addition of an insulated concrete slab completed the super-insulated envelope. Mains gas was introduced into the building and a condensing boiler working in conjunction with solar thermal collectors provide space and water heating. The only complaint our client had with the design was the fact that they had invested money into a heating system that was seldom used due to the fact the building was so well insulated and maximized solar gains.