Page 30 - link magazine

Swindon Wide
30

Architects-to-be have designs on Lower Shaw Farm
A group of architecture students from the University of the West of England have used Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon as a way of applying
their ideas to a real world setting.
They were given the task of con- tion, ranging from retaining the exist-
sidering how the Big Shed could be ing shed to completely repositioning
refurbished or even rebuilt. Formerly the out-buildings to create a more
a milking parlour for 70 dairy cattle spacious farm yard.
when the farm was a feature of the All the ideas included sustainable
quiet countryside to the west of energy solutions and recycled build-
Swindon, these days it is used for arts ing materials, as well as rainwater
and crafts, circus skills workshops, harvesting. The regeneration idea
singing, talks, and a wide variety of included a ground source heat pump
other activities. and system of reed beds for sewage.
Lower Shaw Farm trustee Matt The brief also stipulated a degree
Holland said the main requirement of self-build, so that members of the
was to retain a good amount of community and farm users can get
space, and not to lose the charac- involved with transforming the space
ter or atmosphere of the farm. “We and learning more about sustainable
wanted to get the students involved construction techniques.
when we found out that at this time Farm trustee and worker Andrea
of year they are looking for ‘live proj- Hirsch said, “the ideas are very inspir-
ects’ to get their teeth into. It’s always ing. The presentations really opened
fascinating to hear the responses of up our thinking about the site.”
young people, and to learn what they Matt Holland, rear right, with UWE students. Front, Alice Suttie, Erini Stephen Hill, a third year architec-
see are the possibilities for a space Kyriahou. Standing, Rob Killick, Stephen Hill, course tutor Rachel Sara ture student from Devon, said, “it’s
such as this.” Below, one of the proposals for the milking shed. been great to get real-world feedback
The students worked to a specific See some of the other contributions at www.swindonlink.com on our work – and for it to be a project
brief provided by residents and users with real possibilities rather than one
of Lower Shaw Farm, and within a our lecturer has invented.”
fortnight had worked up their ideas, “This is both exciting and timely”
including detailed drawings, scaled added Matt. “We are deep into posi-
cardboard models and a demonstra- tive and promising talks with Swindon
tion of the building materials using Council about securing a long-term
cardboard and even bread. future for the farm. Young people will
They presented three concepts: be part of that future; it’s brilliant that
renovation, modification or regenera- they are keen to help shape it.”

Buy a conservatory and get £1000 Free

towards any combination of:

Why move • Cane - Rattan - Hardwood Furniture
when you can • Tiled Floors • Ceiling Fans
improve?
With over 50 • Electric Heaters
years experience or
we can project
manage your new Reduce your carbon footprint
conservatory
from start to A minimum of £500 to £2000
finish creating an
additional room for scrappage scheme when you
you to enjoy all year change your old sunroom to a
round. Tailor made new eco-friendly all year round
to suit your needs.
conservatory.
Don’t Forget! Visit our show site at:
We also sell doors,
windows and timber Manor Garden Centre
garden buildings Cheney Manor
Swindon SN2 2QJ
Market leaders
in conservatory 01793 526691
technology

21-52 February 10.indd 30 20/01/2010 14:46