Chilgrove Business Centre
Commercial
Turning a rural barn into a high-
performance business hub
rooted in community
and low-energy design
Turning a rural barn into a high-performance business hub rooted in community and low-energy design
Fabric-first retrofit
A super-insulated timber envelope was used to preserve the barn’s structure while drastically cutting heat loss. The result? A building that’s warm in winter, cool in summer—and easy on running costs.
State of-the-art thermal systems
With carefully planned large-scale mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MHVR), the building stays naturally comfortable, reducing the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
Designing for community
This wasn’t just a renovation – it was about creating a welcoming workplace. Communal areas and informal “chat stations” support local working and encourage connection between tenants.
Fabric-first retrofit
A super-insulated timber envelope was used to preserve the barn’s structure while drastically cutting heat loss. The result? A building that’s warm in winter, cool in summer—and easy on running costs.
State of-the-art thermal systems
With carefully planned large-scale mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MHVR), the building stays naturally comfortable, reducing the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
Designing for community
This wasn’t just a renovation – it was about creating a welcoming workplace. Communal areas and informal “chat stations” support local working and encourage connection between tenants.
Set in the countryside, this former agricultural barn was reimagined as a forward-thinking workplace.
Set in the Sussex countryside, Chilgrove Business Centre is now a high-performing workspace that balances rural charm with modern comfort, energy efficiency, and social connection.
Working closely with Ecotecture, the client reimagined the building to meet modern needs without compromising on comfort, efficiency or character.
1. The Challenge
Ambitious plans for
a former agricultural
barn
Ambitious plans for a former agricultural barn
The client had planning permission and a clear brief: a rural office space with charm and strong eco credentials. But they needed an architect who could handle the detail and think practically.
As our client Philip Renwick explains, “We had an idea of what we needed: offices that worked for small, local businesses. It’s quite a specific thing, and it was hard to find someone who could actually bring our vision to life with confidence.”
The site also came with constraints. It needed to suit rural office tenants, offer long-term comfort, and be financially efficient. Energy performance was just starting to influence occupier decisions, but Philip had the foresight to design for the future.
The client had planning permission and a clear brief: a rural office space with charm and strong eco credentials. But they needed an architect who could handle the detail and think practically.
As our client Philip Renwick explains, “We had an idea of what we needed: offices that worked for small, local businesses. It’s quite a specific thing, and it was hard to find someone who could actually bring our vision to life with confidence.”
The site also came with constraints. It needed to suit rural office tenants, offer long-term comfort, and be financially efficient. Energy performance was just starting to influence occupier decisions, but Philip had the foresight to design for the future.
2. The Solution
Clear expertise and,
hands-on support
Clear expertise and hands-on support
Ecotecture came recommended through a local connection, and quickly proved to be the right fit. “We liked Jo and the team straight away. They were a bit wacky, but knew their stuff. Professional and down to earth.”
Ecotecture designed the layout to reflect real working needs, balancing private and shared spaces, specifying a fabric-first retrofit to minimise energy use. A high EPC rating was achieved without relying on complex add-ons. “At the time, we didn’t chase every eco badge, but we made smart decisions… and we’re really glad we did.”
To Philip, where Ecotecture stood out most was during the build. “The architecture looked cutting-edge to our local contractors. There were a lot of phone calls, but the team were brilliant – even if the answer was ‘check this YouTube video’, they never left us hanging.”
That practical, grounded support proved invaluable. “You don’t want your architect on-site for weeks, but you do want them there when it matters. And Ecotecture were.”
Ecotecture came recommended through a local connection, and quickly proved to be the right fit. “We liked Jo and the team straight away. They were a bit wacky, but knew their stuff. Professional and down to earth.”
Ecotecture designed the layout to reflect real working needs, balancing private and shared spaces, specifying a fabric-first retrofit to minimise energy use. A high EPC rating was achieved without relying on complex add-ons. “At the time, we didn’t chase every eco badge, but we made smart decisions… and we’re really glad we did.”
To Philip, where Ecotecture stood out most was during the build. “The architecture looked cutting-edge to our local contractors. There were a lot of phone calls, but the team were brilliant – even if the answer was ‘check this YouTube video’, they never left us hanging.”
That practical, grounded support proved invaluable. “You don’t want your architect on-site for weeks, but you do want them there when it matters. And Ecotecture were.”
3. The Result
A future-ready
barn that
works
A future-ready barn that works
The project delivered exactly what was needed: a distinctive, low-energy barn conversion that offers comfort, affordability, and community. Since its completion, the barn has welcomed a mix of local professionals – many drawn by the building’s comfort, style and all-inclusive bills.
The high insulation and ventilation standards keep it comfortable year-round. As Philip explains, “Many tenants don’t talk about the eco side directly, but they feel the benefit. No surprise energy bills, no cold mornings. It just works.”
It was a pleasure working with Philip on this project, and the relationship has continued beyond the barn. “We’ve now done several projects with Ecotecture – houses and conversions. The process has been just as smooth each time, and the team is engaged and easy to work with. They’re not the only ones who can do this – but they’re the ones we’d call again.”
The project delivered exactly what was needed: a distinctive, low-energy barn conversion that offers comfort, affordability, and community. Since its completion, the barn has welcomed a mix of local professionals – many drawn by the building’s comfort, style and all-inclusive bills.
The high insulation and ventilation standards keep it comfortable year-round. As Philip explains, “Many tenants don’t talk about the eco side directly, but they feel the benefit. No surprise energy bills, no cold mornings. It just works.”
It was a pleasure working with Philip on this project, and the relationship has continued beyond the barn. “We’ve now done several projects with Ecotecture – houses and conversions. The process has been just as smooth each time, and the team is engaged and easy to work with. They’re not the only ones who can do this – but they’re the ones we’d call again.”
Are you looking to create a high-performance, low-impact commercial space?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.
Are you looking to create a
high-performance, low-impact commercial space?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.