Shatwell Farm

The new cowshed forms the first stage in the revitalisation of Shatwell Farm on the Hadspen Estate. It sits at the northern edge of the farmstead and its position at the mouth of the valley signifies the beginning of the built complex and frames the entrance into the farmyard. It is the single largest building within the group, capable of accommodating 350 cows.

There is a long tradition at Hadspen of utilitarian agricultural buildings participating in a careful spatial ordering, with architectural ambitions exceeding their functional stature. Observing this heritage, the new cowshed is positioned with its covered feed line forming an open stoa as part of the ‘valley walk’ route from Hadspen House to the farmyard.

Acknowledgement of the building’s civic role within the farmstead is heightened by the craft of its heavy concrete construction which contrasts with the prefabricated steel shed of the animal enclosure.