Powell’s School House is a Grade II* listed property (particularly important buildings of more than special interest) located close to the centre of Cirencester.

Thinking Buildings were initially appointed as architects for a feasibility study for the conversion of the school house from education to residential use. The existing school house was significantly compromised for educational use, with mainly small rooms spread across three floors and no lift access. The top floor was entirely unused and the building’s condition was deteriorating as a result of the building’s limited use. 

Following the feasibility study, we developed a full design to successfully secure planning and listed building consent to convert this beautiful historic building into six apartments. This involved detailed research into the history of the building and detailed consultation with English Heritage and the local conservation officer. Detailed design proposals were submitted as part of the application to address the complexities of incorporating a new staircase, drainage, and services into the scheme and to successfully accommodate adequate acoustic and fire separation between units without causing any substantial harm to the existing fabric of the heritage asset. 

Thinking Buildings were later commissioned to alter the planning and listed building consent to convert the property into 2 substantial townhouses which would be less impactful and more sensitive to the existing listed building. Planning and listed building consent was granted and the School House was purchased by a local developer to convert the building. 

Alongside building alterations the project also included the re-working of external areas to separate the new residential use from the existing primary school. This included new boundary walls, railings, and a new pupil entrance with gates into the site. We are proud that these works were given a Cirencester Civic Society award.