St John’s Seminary
Heritage
Transforming a heritage seminary
into a sustainable residential
community rooted in conservation
and ecology
Transforming a heritage seminary into a sustainable residential community rooted in conservation and ecology
Adaptive reuse for carbon reduction
We retained and converted the existing structure, saving materials and reducing embodied carbon, creating a climate-positive design strategy through strategic conservation.
Low-energy homes designed for real life
The new dwellings were shaped by a fabric-first approach with insulation, solar control, and ventilation systems that prioritise comfort and energy savings.
Protecting green belt ecology
We were mindful of the surrounding landscape – including woodlands, hedgerows, and farmland – while introducing ecological enhancements that support biodiversity and habitat restoration.
Adaptive reuse for carbon reduction
We retained and converted the existing structure, saving materials and reducing embodied carbon, creating a climate-positive design strategy through strategic conservation.
Low-energy homes designed for real life
The new dwellings were shaped by a fabric-first approach with insulation, solar control, and ventilation systems that prioritise comfort and energy savings.
Protecting green belt ecology
We were mindful of the surrounding landscape – including woodlands, hedgerows, and farmland – while introducing ecological enhancements that support biodiversity and habitat restoration.
St John’s Seminary is a nationally significant site – Britain’s only purpose-built Catholic seminary, set in a sensitive rural landscape.
Our role was to reimagine it as a low-impact residential development that respects its heritage, enhances biodiversity, and delivers long-term, liveable homes.
We collaborated with the developer and wider team, including working in close consultation with the Waverley Borough Council and the conservation officer. By leading a heritage-first approach, we balanced architectural quality, environmental performance, and community trust
1. The Challenge
A sacred site with-
high stakes
A sacred site with high stakes
St John’s Seminary is no ordinary site. Architecturally ornate, historically rich, and long hidden from public view for years. The site offered huge potential but came with major sensitivity. Our property developer client, James Taylor, explains:
“When I first saw the site, it was clear we had a rare opportunity, but also a major challenge. We were dealing with a heritage asset that had national significance, including magnolia trees gifted by the Pope. At the same time, the site needed to deliver much-needed housing.”
Set in a quiet village, the proposal faced scrutiny on every level – from traffic and light pollution to public perception. In James’ words, “In this setting, change can be more sensitive because it’s more noticeable. We had to get it right.”
St John’s Seminary is no ordinary site. Architecturally ornate, historically rich, and long hidden from public view for years. The site offered huge potential but came with major sensitivity. Our property developer client, James Taylor, explains:
“When I first saw the site, it was clear we had a rare opportunity, but also a major challenge. We were dealing with a heritage asset that had national significance, including magnolia trees gifted by the Pope. At the same time, the site needed to deliver much-needed housing.”
Set in a quiet village, the proposal faced scrutiny on every level – from traffic and light pollution to public perception. In James’ words, “In this setting, change can be more sensitive because it’s more noticeable. We had to get it right.”
2. The Solution
Heritage-led,
forward-thinking design
Heritage-led, forward-thinking design
Understanding the unique challenges of St John’s Seminary and knowing Jo’s track record with sensitive conservation projects, James turned to her for support. Working hand-in-hand with the developers, Jo led the design process, using her specialist knowledge to consult on everything from layout to placemaking, overseeing a sensitive restoration and a fabric-first, low-energy focus.
Another important aspect was ensuring the project had a positive response in the community. James said that one of the most valuable aspects of Ecotecture’s involvement was Jo’s ability to proactively work with the council and communicate with planners, stakeholders, and the wider public.
“She’s not just an architect; she’s an ambassador. In meetings, consultations – even public exhibitions – she makes people feel heard. That trust goes a long way when you’re talking about transforming a well-known local landmark.”
Understanding the unique challenges of St John’s Seminary and knowing Jo’s track record with sensitive conservation projects, James turned to her for support. Working hand-in-hand with the developers, Jo led the design process, using her specialist knowledge to consult on everything from layout to placemaking, overseeing a sensitive restoration and a fabric-first, low-energy focus.
Another important aspect was ensuring the project had a positive response in the community. James said that one of the most valuable aspects of Ecotecture’s involvement was Jo’s ability to proactively work with the council and communicate with planners, stakeholders, and the wider public.
“She’s not just an architect; she’s an ambassador. In meetings, consultations – even public exhibitions – she makes people feel heard. That trust goes a long way when you’re talking about transforming a well-known local landmark.”
3. The Result
A future-facing
community rooted
in heritage
A future-facing community rooted in heritage
Thanks to a collaborative and intelligent approach, the development was a success on every level. Planning permission was granted without a single objection – almost unheard of for a project of this scale and visibility.
The seminary is currently being adapted for low-impact residential use, offering high-quality homes within the original structure, which will turn a once closed-off site into a valuable community asset.
To James, Jo’s heritage expertise and sustainability-first mindset were essential. “We got the building to a B rating for energy performance. That’s better than many new builds. Jo is one of the few people I know who can work confidently on a 400-year-old building while knowing exactly what’s needed to meet net-zero targets.”
James said, “Jo listens to the building and the brief. She’ll help you design something that’s not only beautiful and low-energy, but affordable to live in. She brings genuine love for heritage buildings and a no-nonsense, practical approach to sustainability. There’s no ego—just real care for the details that matter.”
Thanks to a collaborative and intelligent approach, the development was a success on every level. Planning permission was granted without a single objection – almost unheard of for a project of this scale and visibility.
The seminary is currently being adapted for low-impact residential use, offering high-quality homes within the original structure, which will turn a once closed-off site into a valuable community asset.
To James, Jo’s heritage expertise and sustainability-first mindset were essential. “We got the building to a B rating for energy performance. That’s better than many new builds. Jo is one of the few people I know who can work confidently on a 400-year-old building while knowing exactly what’s needed to meet net-zero targets.”
James said, “Jo listens to the building and the brief. She’ll help you design something that’s not only beautiful and low-energy, but affordable to live in. She brings genuine love for heritage buildings and a no-nonsense, practical approach to sustainability. There’s no ego—just real care for the details that matter.”
Are you looking to breathe new life into a heritage building through sensitive, sustainable design?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to discuss your project.
Are you looking to breathe new life into a
heritage building through sensitive, sustainable design?
Ecotecture can help. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to discuss your project.