The Old Rectory

A Contemporary Garden Pavilion for a Historic Estate

Set within the grounds of the Grade II listed Old Rectory in Puncknowle, Dorset, this proposal reimagines an existing tennis court as a series of contemporary leisure buildings that complement the historic estate while establishing a distinctive architectural identity of their own.

Designed as a new pool house and gym, the scheme sits within the Puncknowle Conservation Area alongside a listed dovecote, mature gardens and a collection of historic outbuildings. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered to preserve the character of this sensitive setting, creating architecture that feels naturally embedded within the landscape rather than imposed upon it.

Architecture Shaped by Landscape

Rather than designing a single large building, the accommodation is arranged as two complementary volumes that form a sheltered south-facing courtyard. Together they create a contemporary interpretation of the traditional collection of buildings found elsewhere on the estate, while their positioning defines a sequence of outdoor spaces that extend the experience of the surrounding gardens.

The principal pavilion adopts a simple pitched roof form with glazed gable ends, referencing the proportions of the historic buildings while expressing a distinctly contemporary architectural language. A lower flat-roofed wing runs along the edge of the former tennis court, helping to contain the courtyard and reinforce a strong sense of enclosure.

Stone walls wrap the new garden spaces, creating sheltered areas for entertaining while gradually revealing the buildings as visitors approach from the main house. This carefully choreographed journey allows the new architecture to remain visually discreet within the wider landscape.

Materiality

The material palette has been developed in direct response to the character of the estate. Locally inspired stone provides a sense of permanence and continuity with the existing listed buildings, while vertical timber cladding introduces warmth and reflects the surrounding woodland.

Large areas of minimally framed glazing maximise natural light and strengthen the connection between the interior spaces and the landscape, allowing views across the gardens while maintaining a calm, understated architectural expression.

Integrating Heritage and Landscape

Landscape design is fundamental to the proposal rather than an addition to it. New planting softens the architecture and reinforces the relationship between the buildings and the established gardens, while carefully designed terraces, steps and an accessible winding ramp respond to the site's changing levels and improve movement throughout the grounds.

By combining contemporary architecture with thoughtful landscape design, the proposal demonstrates how new interventions within historic settings can respect their heritage while supporting modern living. The result is a collection of elegant garden buildings that sit quietly within the estate, enhancing its long-term enjoyment without detracting from its historic significance.