Situated within the magnificent gardens and estate surrounding Peckover House in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, The Reed Barn represents one of only two remaining brick and reed thatched barns in the county. Paul Bancroft Architects are retained for the ongoing care, maintenance and refurbishment of the house and estate and were presented with the task of repairing and conserving the structure, which had fallen into considerable disrepair.

The front wall of the building had suffered from considerable deflection due to loss of cross ties at plate level and historically buttresses had been constructed as an albeit only semi-effective restraint. The wall was restructured and partially rebuilt in a stable form but retaining the historic outward lean and buttresses intact. The principal roof structure was repaired and common rafters replaced throughout cut from local forests in Northamptonshire. The whole was then re-thatched with Norfolk reed. Subsequently the stack yard to the rear was paved with setts and exposed aggregate paving to replicate a maze, which originally was located near to the building.

The final and most recent work comprised the provision of full catering facilities, lavatories, lighting and underfloor heating, together with other enabling works to enable the building to be used as a refreshment centre for public visitors to the estate and for private function hire for wedding receptions etc. The building has proved to be a successful and sought after location for such functions.

Architect:

Paul Bancroft Architects

Light Design:

Paul Bancroft Architects

Structural Engineer:

Andrew Firebrace Partnership, Bury St Edmunds

Mechanical Engineer:

David Chinery Environmental - St. Neots

Planning Supervisors:

PFB Construction

Management Services Ltd

General Contractor:

K.G. Wright [Builders] Ltd

Conservation Works:

G. F. Tomlinson Construction Ltd

Electrical Sub-
contractor:

T.K. Drake - Swaffham - Norfolk

Mechanical Sub-
contractor:

M. Rogerson Ltd. - Ely - Cambs

Catering Equipment::

Airedale Catering Equipment Ltd. - Bradford