Character Workshop
Character Workshop is a new build workshop within the Dartmoor National Park for Character Builders, an award winning builders and crafts people. The proposed workshop will provide space for Character Builders to grow their already well established business in timber framing, joinery and pre-fabrication of construction materials for heritage and new building construction works across Dartmoor.
Character Builders have had a considerable impact on the conservation and restoration work that has been completed in the local area, winning many awards for work on both historic and new buildings. They have been advocates for the use of traditional techniques and materials sensitive for conservation work. They have raised awareness and the standard of conservation locally.
The building is set over two levels, the workshop floor is level with the yard and road to the south, whilst the studio space is set beneath and partially buried into the hillside. The form and materials of the building take reference from the local vernacular of linhay and threshing barns, with Character Builders completing the construction to showcase their skills using local materials and trades.
The intention is to create a highly sustainable building with a low carbon impact built from localy sourced natural materials from their own waste products, alongside on-site energy production. Character Builders want to use the new workshop as a showcase for the work they do across the National Park, demonstrating their knowledge of working with traditional skills and materials.
The new workshop will meet the high environmental standards with a custom built premises that will enable Character Builders to realise their ambitions: to produce work that sustains and supports the local environment, aesthetically and practically through materials and methods chosen.
1860 historical map showing the Blackaller Quarries
The site sits adjacent the disused Blackaller Quarry and historically was part of the quarry development area. The Blackaller Quarryy was worked in the 18th and into the 20th century. Limestone was extracted for road-building as well as construction. A number of workers were employed and seven cottages, bakery and blacksmith’s workshop made up ‘Kiln Village’ to the south of the working area.
upper ground floor workshop plan
upper ground floor workshop plan
lower ground floor studio plan
proposed site plan