Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

THE COMMISSION
Sheep Field Barn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens adds flexible learning and engagement facilities alongside refurbished, conservation-grade galleries suitable for international touring exhibitions. New workshops, a school arrival space, and fully accessible facilities let the building work as both a world-class gallery and a working space of making, setting a benchmark for low-carbon gallery design.

ELEGANT FRUGALITY
The design follows Moore's own resourceful approach to adapting existing buildings. A low, economical extension sits at the barn's northern edge; the 'Ghost Bay' extends east to create a welcoming forecourt.

Sustainability measures include: screw pile foundations (reusable, minimal disturbance); a timber structure designed for future disassembly; sheep's wool insulation; reclaimed Yorkshire spruce cladding; a ground source heat pump (35kW/m² heating/cooling); roof solar panels (~39,300kWh/yr); and reused materials internally (sanded Douglas Fir cladding, steel from the old delivery door repurposed as lintels).

The result: the building's public capacity doubles while running costs halve, with an EPC A rating, operational energy of 24 kWh/m²/year (less than half LETI's 2030 school target), and embodied carbon of 217 kgCO₂e/m².

THE BARN
Views throughout — from the entrance, stairs, workshops, and first-floor area — connect visitors to Moore's bronze sculptures and the sheep fields. Openable rooflights bring in natural light and air. A new low window frames artwork from the learning space; large workshop windows frame a bronze sculpture on the mound.

Sheep troughs have been repurposed as handwash basins. Materials and scale respond sensitively to the rural setting and its visibility from public bridleways.

GALLERY FREEDOM
Upgraded environmental controls give greater curatorial freedom. The ground floor will house the first permanent exhibition on Moore's life and work; the upper gallery hosts changing shows. Acoustic separation lets workshops run without disturbing the gallery.

Workshops are naturally ventilated and open onto a sheltered overhang for outdoor use in warmer months. Accessible facilities — toilets, lower sinks, storage, an arrival/orientation space that doubles as a lunch area — support school groups and a wide range of visitors.