Project William’s Den, Beverley

This recently completed award winning project is a great example of rural estate and farm diversification. William’s is new and exciting adventure attraction, giving children the chance to connect with nature and get active as they explore a custom designed complex that brings the great outdoors inside.

Working with a large interdisciplinary team, Native led the design team for the new William’s Den visitors centre that includes the conversion of Listed farm buildings to create a commercial kitchen serving a large double height restaurant incorporating a feature wood fired pizza oven, bar and ice cream parlour.

A new two storey play barn, is linked to the listed barns by a timber framed and clad link, which incorporates a gift shop and entrance foyer.

The project has incorporated a range of sustainability measures. The buildings are heated by a biomass district heating scheme with solar photovoltaic roof panels for electricity to provide renewable energy generation onsite.  The building fabric has been highly insulated using low carbon, renewable and recycled construction materials where possible to lower the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the buildings.

By using lime (instead of cement), timber, hempcrete and high performance wood fibre insulation materials throughout the build, the client has reduced the amount of co2 emitted during the construction phase and further enhanced their sustainability credentials. Low toxic, natural materials allow the building’s to “breathe” and maintain good internal air quality.

The project won the RICS 2018 Award for the Yorkshire region Tourism & Leisure category.

Click here for more information on William’s Den and plan your visit now!