Context

The addition of a modern pavilion with curved Nordic Standard copper roofs is a key component of the rescue and sensitive repurposing of an important historic house into a landmark community events and arts venue in Dorset, known as The Sherborne.

Sherborne House is a landmark building within the town, dating back to the 13th century and protected with Grade I listed status. Since 1992, it has stood empty, falling into disrepair and designated a ‘heritage building at risk’. In November 2024, the building was successfully removed from Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register in recognition of its remarkable transformation. Overseen by lead architects SPASE, a complex, multi-year project involved the meticulous renovation of the Georgian mansion, restoration of the medieval wing, and construction of a striking new glulam pavilion with copper roof, surrounded by architectural landscaping.

The new pavilion to the rear of the house stands as a testament to SPASE’s commitment to innovative and sustainable design. The 6.7m-high, bespoke curved structure seamlessly connects the main house to the garden and is crafted from eco-conscious glulam. The copper canopy roof, with hand-cut tapered joints, sits atop the glulam pavilion and floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the garden beyond.

Carefully detailed, and expertly crafted by specialist installer Pace Roofing, the curved pavilion roofs feature 0.7mm-thick Nordic Standard copper, providing a lightweight covering that minimises structural loadings.

Benefits of copper

Copper’s malleability allows it to be used for architectural elements of all forms with minimal constraints, and well-established jointing techniques provide weather-proof construction for any roof pitches. It also enables material continuity for the pavilion, with integrated copper facias, soffits and rainwater goods.

One of the oldest building materials, traditionally covering the domes and spires of city skylines, copper is also considered to be a thoroughly modern material offering limitless possibilities for today’s architectural design. Copper displays a timeless character, particularly suited to contemporary additions to historic buildings like The Sherborne. It’s gradual development of a natural protective patina – initially a darkening brown, moving towards green over many years – was anticipated by SPASE in their design drawings.

Sustainability

Copper also provides exemplary durability without maintenance, longevity and – eventually – full recyclability. These were important characteristics for SPASE who used sustainable and natural materials wherever possible at The Sherborne.