JDDK were commissioned by Blagdon Estate to design this new purpose built unit as an extension to the existing Milkhope Centre in Stannington, Northumberland. The brief required the provision of additional floor space and dedicated facilities required by existing long term tenants Gustharts, which could not be accommodated within the current centre premises, whilst retaining a scale and aesthetic which complemented the existing centre rural and historic buildings.

The building demonstrates an exemplary commercial premises to the benefit of the local rural economy, achieved through a quality and cost effective design which sits comfortably within the surrounding rural context. The simple volume creates an economical construction and low cost per square meter, allowing the integration of high quality external materials; the external roughcast render finish offers a contemporary take on the surrounding stone buildings.

The functional and flexible accommodation provides an efficient platform for showcase of Gustharts products and services, and the concealed roof space storage creates the maximised floor space required to facilitate the growth of their business, whilst retaining a scale in keeping with the surrounding buildings.

The resulting building is a contemporary response to a sensitive setting, meeting the occupant’s spatial and functional needs without compromise to the existing setting of the Milkhope Centre.