Kindling Farm seeks architects for the first stage of a hugely exciting project!
We are looking for ecologically and socially focused architects to work with us to design the transformation of our beautiful (but neglected) Victorian farm into a thriving hub and facilities for our communities (near and far).
In 2023 we purchased a 78 acre farm in Knowsley which we are turning into a pioneering agroforestry farm, focused on producing fruit and vegetables in a true example of wildlife friendly and low carbon farming.
We want to transform the farm into a thriving community hub, with a farm shop, cafe, facilities/accommodation for volunteers and visitors and a venue for a range of activities (from conferences for national organisations, to training for farmers, to wildlife workshops with schools).
This next exciting stage is to explore the feasibility of transforming our buildings into these facilities and to produce the concept designs, owned by our stakeholders, that will help us start turning our vision into reality. We are looking for an architect who is open to working with us and our communities to make this happen.
The work being commissioned:
We have secured support from The National Heritage Lottery Fund to commission an architect to help us explore the feasibility of and produce concept designs for this exciting development. This work and these documents will then be used to present to our directors and wider membership as well as to be used in future funding applications to develop the site.
It is hugely important to us that the buildings are refurbished in a way that reflects and demonstrates our values (ecological and social) - in the design, the materials and techniques used and in the process of development from start to finish.
We are looking for an ARB registered Architect-led team, to help us realise this ambitious project. The team would ideally include a Retrofit Coordinator and a Passivhaus Designer – or good experience of working on Retrofit/Passivhaus projects, as well as experience of working on heritage building projects and engaging stakeholders and communities in the design process.
If you think you fit the bill and would like to work with us at this very early stage of this inspiring project please download the tender and get in touch. Please also spread the word far and wide to architects you know!
Visiting Kindling Farm
If you are interested in tendering for this work and would like to discuss it beforehand we would ask that you email us to arrange either a phone call with the Project Manager or a visit to Kindling Farm (we are available for visits on either Wednesday 19th or Tuesday 25th of February).
Deadline for tenders: 14th March at 5pm with the aim to decide on the winning tender early the following week (week commencing 17th March 2025)
For more information please download the Invitation to Tender below.
