The Orchard Barn, Blackwell Grange Wedding Venue
The Orchard Barn is a striking contemporary building set on the footprint of original sheep sheds. Constructed in 2016, the barn features imposing oak beams and bi-fold doors that open onto a loggia and terrace with views over the farm and the Cotswold countryside. Fitted with underfloor heating and a virtually undetectable MVHR system, the building provides a climate-controlled space that will hold 150 guests for a seated dinner, or up to 200 for an evening party. A mezzanine ‘snug’ accessed by a helical staircase overlooks the dining or dancing area, which is flooded with natural light in the day time and illuminated by chandeliers at night.
The Orchard Barn was the latest project in the development of Blackwell Grange as an exclusive wedding venue. Will Vernon-Miller had inherited the former arable farm and breeding stud for National Hunt racing from his grandparents, who had moved to the Cotswolds in 1944. Will’s wife Didi had extensive experience in surveying and interior design, which mainly inspired the couple’s decision to plan the phased transformation of a collection of 16th and 17th century farm buildings into an outstanding wedding venue.
ADM were asked to suggest an alternative approach to the ventilation strategy for the property. The first consideration had been to use an air-handling system that required ducting with a very large diameter, which would have compromised the look of the main space. This particular system would also have been very expensive. ADM were able to recommend an alternative MVHR system that the builder could integrate with the SIPs construction with minimal impact on the aesthetics of the building. The specification also included the Zehnder ComfoSense LCD controllers which make managing the system straightforward.
ADM worked closely with the client, the architect, the kit supplier and the structural engineer through initial meetings, email exchanges and site visits to ensure a seamless design and installation process.