Vista case study: The Steadings, Maisemore, Gloucester

Chamberlayne Farms Ltd was looking at a way of diversifying away from milk and beef production, but needed a viable, deliverable solution that would provide an income stream over a long period.

Vista undertook a feasibility study, which pointed to a shortage of small self-contained business units in the local office market. A cautious approach was needed because of the untested location, but the take-up of space exceeded all expectations.

Phase four of the development involved converting a steel-framed barrel-roof Dutch barn and adjoining cart shed. This proved highly successful, receiving a design award.

The project is highly sustainable; it has its own bore-hole water supply and reed-bed drainage. The units are heated by a stubble-burning boiler located in one of the retained agricultural buildings.