Cycle Shop

Year | 2025

Location | Alresford, Hampshire

Project status | Planning Approved

The Old Cycle Shop – Contemporary Home Conversion in Alresford Conservation Area

The Old Cycle Shop is a modern architectural transformation of a disused historic cycle shop into a contemporary, sustainable dwelling, located in the heart of the Alresford Conservation Area.

This sensitive and contextual design pays homage to the building’s industrial heritage while reimagining it for modern living. Through a rigorous and considered architectural approach, the scheme draws on the heritage of the original structure, interpreting its character in a fresh and contemporary way.

Key elements of the site’s history have been preserved and celebrated. The original boundary wall is being carefully retained and restored, while a new flint wall—traditional to the region—has been introduced to complement the existing fabric. A large, workshop-style timber door has been reinterpreted as a modern feature, offering a contemporary take on the historic entrance. The new standing seam metal roof nods to the original cycle shop’s industrial roofing, blending past and present. The roof terrace features bespoke contemporary solar shading and privacy screening, crafted from perforated metal with a pattern derived from the Alresford crest. This motif has been subtly reinterpreted into a refined design.

Expertly designed to maximise a compact urban site, the new home demonstrates exceptional spatial planning and architectural precision.

In addition to its design credentials, the new dwelling meets outstanding sustainability standards, adopting a Passivhaus-inspired approach to energy efficiency. High levels of insulation and airtightness ensure minimal heat loss, while an Air Source Heat Pump and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system deliver year-round thermal comfort with low energy consumption and running costs.