Ardingly College Cafe
Commercial
Reviving a disused squash court
into a warm, low-energy café for
students and staff
Reviving a disused squash court into a warm, low-energy café for students and staff
Reusing original materials
The original floor and timber walls were restored to preserve character and reduce material waste. Preserving the building’s embodied carbon created a warm, tactile interior that retains its heritage and original resonance.
High-performance thermal upgrades
Harnessing passive solar power and installing new high-performance windows, doors, and insulation improves comfort and cuts energy use.
Low-carbon, circular furnishings
In keeping with the project's low-carbon ethos, the café was furnished using upcycled tables and chairs, extending the lifecycle of existing materials and reducing waste while creating a unique, characterful space.
Reusing original materials
The original floor and timber walls were restored to preserve character and reduce material waste. Preserving the building’s embodied carbon created a warm, tactile interior that retains its heritage and original resonance.
High-performance thermal upgrades
Harnessing passive solar power and installing new high-performance windows, doors, and insulation improves comfort and cuts energy use.
Low-carbon, circular furnishings
In keeping with the project's low-carbon ethos, the café was furnished using upcycled tables and chairs, extending the lifecycle of existing materials and reducing waste while creating a unique, characterful space.
Once unused and underappreciated, the curtilage-listed squash court on a heritage school campus has been thoughtfully reimagined into a light-filled café space for students and staff – a vibrant social hub.
The transformation combined heritage conservation with sustainable innovation and low-impact interior design while respecting the building’s character and modernising the environmental performance.
The new café combines original features with modern environmental upgrades, showing how great design is informed by what already exists.
Are you looking
to revive a disused
heritage building?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.
Are you looking to revive a disused
heritage building?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.