The Wakes

Gilbert White was a pioneering 18th century naturalist regarded as England’s first ecologist.  He was inspired by the Hampshire countryside around his family home, The Wakes to write his book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.  The Wakes houses the museum of Gilbert White and is a grade I listed house set in a grade II* registered park and garden.

Seeking ways to sustain the museum in the long term, Sarah was asked to carry out an options appraisal in collaboration with EmilEve, assessing the grounds for potential development sites that could be used to increase income and further the educational programme.  Our study, later submitted as a pre-app, determined a masterplan for development, identifying locations for camping cabins, possible new housing and a new purpose-built classroom.

The camping cabins were proposed to be compact, timber structures sitting lightly in a copse at the edge of the garden, with large windows to enjoy the views and passing birds.  

The classroom was proposed as a highly insulated timber structure incorporating features such as a green roof, timber cladding, rainwater recycling, bird hide and nesting boxes that were integrated into one façade to allow visibility from inside.  The classroom was integrated into the surrounding garden with an outdoor classroom.