St Mark's Schoolhouse

Dow Jones Architects repurposed this derelict building into their studio, integrating low-carbon strategies with sensitive listed building refurbishment. After 40 years of neglect, it suffered severe cracking, a rotten floor, and deteriorated windows and doors. Conservation techniques preserved its character while improving insulation, air tightness, and energy efficiency. A timber frame lining insulates the walls, while the roof is externally insulated, and new hardwood double-glazed windows were installed. An ASHP, MVHR, and phase-change thermal battery provide heating and hot water. The schoolroom’s openness was retained while adding intimate spaces: the teacher’s office became a library, and a two-storey tower introduced meeting and dining rooms. The former service yard now houses a kitchen and WCs. Circular material reuse played a key role—roof tiles were crushed for hardcore, old floor joists formed the tower’s structure, and pine floorboards clad the tower and stair. The garden walls and railings were rebuilt, with extensive planting to boost biodiversity. The Schoolhouse is now off Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register.