Charles Gillespie Architecture completes wildlife-friendly Somerset house with concrete colonnade
The Linhay, a family residence situated in rural Somerset, England, has been completed by Charles Gillespie Architecture. This house, designed by Charles Gillespie for his own family, incorporates a colonnade of precast concrete columns that serve as nesting areas for birds and bats. Drawing inspiration from the traditional linhay barn, the structure features cylindrical columns that echo historic supports. The colonnade not only enhances living space but also regulates sunlight. Located on West Farm in Babcary, this two-storey, all-electric home is part of an intergenerational project alongside Highlands, Gillespie's parents' residence. It utilizes passive design techniques, an air-source heat pump, and photovoltaic panels. Charles Gillespie Architecture was established in 2024, with photography by Dave Watts.
Key facts
- The Linhay is a family house in rural Somerset, England, completed by Charles Gillespie Architecture.
- The house features a full-length colonnade of precast concrete columns that provides nesting spaces for birds and bats.
- The design draws on the traditional linhay, an agricultural barn found across Somerset and Devon.
- The house is located on West Farm in Babcary and is part of an intergenerational development with a second house called Highlands for Gillespie's parents.
- The colonnade controls sunlight, extends living space, and provides wildlife habitat.
- Materials include timber from the Stourhead estate and stone from a quarry seven miles away.
- The house is all-electric with an air-source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and rooftop photovoltaic panels.
- Charles Gillespie Architecture was founded in 2024 in Castle Cary, Somerset.
Entities
Artists
- Charles Gillespie
Institutions
- Charles Gillespie Architecture
- Dezeen
Locations
- Somerset
- England
- Babcary
- Castle Cary
- Stourhead estate
Sources
- Dezeen —