Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 106
One important aim of this project was to relocate
parking further away from the heritage asset, freeing
up the space that was previously a Walled Garden
in centuries past, to enable the new building and
restored Walled Garden to sit side by side in harmony,
providing a fascinating new offer to our visitors, fully
integrated with our enhanced retail and catering offers.
The success of this aspect of the project has exceeded
our expectations and is testament to the vision of the
architects in understanding our needs and finding ways
to implement them.
From the outset we have described this project as
unlocking the future of Ightham Mote and now the
future has arrived, we couldn’t be more pleased with
how it looks and with the positive local and visitor
feedback to date.
Above, external view of Ightham Mote, visitor reception and shop
photography by Fred Howarth
Above, drawing of Ightham Mote, visitor reception and shop
by Reed Watts Architects
About Reed Watts Architects
Reed Watts are an award-winning, architectural practice
founded by Jim Reed and Matt Watts in 2016, formerly
Associate Directors at Haworth Tompkins.
The Hemp Block Company are one of the leading suppliers of hempcrete
insulation blocks in the UK. Our blocks are 100% natural, made from
hemp shiv, hydrated lime, and water, they do not include any additional
cement-based binder.
Based in Clerkenwell, the practice has a diverse workload
across cultural, heritage and housing sectors. They have
recently completed works for the National Theatre, the
City of London and Chichester Festival Theatre. Previous
projects include Roundhouse Works in Camden, the Open
Air Theatre in Regent’s Park and as well as projects at the
V&A Museum. They are currently working on projects for
three Community Land Trusts in South-West England and
a number of other listed buildings including the Yvonne
Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Stephen Joseph Theatre in
Scarborough and Acland Burghley school in London.
Our insulation blocks make for a healthier living environment, while
helping reduce the impact of the construction industry on the environment.
We help you create a healthier home and planet, while also reducing
your running costs.
The blocks are easy to use and are made from only natural materials.
Links:
National Trust, Ightham Mote:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote
Reed Watts:
https://www.reedwatts.com
https://www.instagram.com/reedwattsarch/
Colvin & Moggridge:
https://www.colmog.co.uk/
Fred Howarth
https://www.instagram.com/fh_otography/
I
T: 01923 920449 | E: info@hempblock.co.uk
www.hempblock.co.uk
The Hemp Block Company Ltd
St Georges Hall, Jason’s Hill, Chesham, HP5 3QP
Above, external view of Ightham Mote, visitor reception and shop
photography by Fred Howarth
Conservation & Heritage Journal
104
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