Somerset Architects | Sustainable Practice
We are a dynamic architectural studio based in Castle Cary, Somerset, specialising in sustainable residential architecture. We are contemporary in our approach yet all of our projects are born out of a thorough understanding of place. Our approach is rooted in collaboration; we listen, study and build a design narrative informed by your story and propose an architecture that is fit for now and the future.
Our practice is based in the heart of bucolic Somerset and our architectural experience consists of a rich mix of projects ranging in scale and typology, undertaken at some of highest profile architects in the United Kingdom. We undertake new builds, conversions, restorations, extensions, refurbishments and conservation. Whilst our predominant genre is residential, we are adept at tackling many building typologies. We put a great deal of emphasis upon client engagement within the early design stages, collaborating and guiding all the while through planning and construction through to completion. We understand that building your dream home can be daunting and we offer a range of design services from inception through to completion, we’re collaborators, architects and partners on your journey.
South West Environmentally Led Architects
As Somerset architects we have an obligation to champion good design, appropriate construction and a protection of natural habitats and the environment. At Charles Gillespie Architecture Ltd, every design decision we make is intuitive and appraised against these core principles. The solutions we arrive at are responsive and aim to enhance place, creating sustainable environments, homes and an architecture that is built to last. We are architects whose style is contemporary yet rooted in place and context, no two sites are the same and neither are our clients.
We put people at the heart of every project, and the forefront of every design story. We are architects who specialise in creating contemporary homes that are as sustainable as they are beautiful, enhanced by the collaborative approach we seek to build with all of our clients. On all of our projects we undertake a thorough site analysis and assist you with developing a detailed and robust brief which inform the architectural proposals. We specialise in bespoke residential homes, developing contemporary yet contextual designs with an expertise in sustainable design and construction methods. Operating in Somerset, the South West and the United Kingdom; we have a passion for architecture, construction and the environment.

Selected Architectural Projects I Contemporary Residential

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THE LINHAY
New Build SomersetDesigns for an environmentally led new build home in Somerset. A contemporary and contextual architectural design, drawing upon an agricultural vernacular common to the South West.
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CHARITY FARM
Historic analysis of Charity Farm shows that its form and plan have expanded and contracted since its construction in the late 17th Century.
The intention therefore was to create a calm, subservient and contextual addition, adopting vernacular materials and detailing them in a crisp and contemporary manner.
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HIGHLANDS
Passivhaus StandardsArchitectural proposals for a rural dwelling near Bruton. A contemporary eco-home designed to Passivhaus standards, blurring the residential and agricultural typologies.
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THORN ROAD
GlasgowThe proposals sought to draw upon the rich and varied history of its context, whilst creating a home better suited to the dynamics of a young family. The contemporary refurbishment and extension will reinforce the diverse character of this Glasgow Conservation area.
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MIDDLE GINGERS
Set within the historic West Sussex parish of Rudgwick, the artery of Church Street saw an exciting and bold development of ‘modern’ housing at the turn of the 20th century.
Middle Gingers was built by a master builder to an Arts and Crafts style, set within a large deep plot and bounded by mature trees on all sides.
Architectural Studio Somerset | News

Sustainable New Build
Planning awarded for a sustainable new build home in Somerset. Charles Gillespie Architecture have developed a contemporary design with Passivhaus principles at its core, which marries with the clients brief of flexibility and adaptation. Construction is due to start on site in summer 2022 with the technical design underway.

Contemporary Eco-Home
Planning awarded for a eco home based in the South West, near Bruton. Contemporary in its detailing yet contextual in its material selection with Somerset Lias stone, timber cladding and hand made clay roof tiles. Due on site in the summer of 2022, with completion expected spring 2023.

Grade II listed home
Architectural proposals submitted for the renovation of a Grade II listed home in Somerset. CG_A have been appointed to take the scheme through technical design and to prepare the tender pack of information. The proposals seek to improve the energy efficiency of the existing building whilst creating a contemporary addition which compliments the 18th century home.