Chedworth Roman villa is a truly unique site. Owned by the National Trust, Chedworth is dedicated to the conservation and re-interpretation of one of Britain’s largest Romano-British villas set in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Our masterplan found that Victorian efforts at conservation on the site were outdated and that the early conservation shelters were failing to provide sufficient protection to the fragile archaeology. The National Trust wished us take a fresh look at interpretation and to provide new opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The brief emphasised that the new buildings should add a new layer to the extraordinary history of Chedworth Roman Villa, from the laying of the first stone in the 2nd century to its rediscovery in Victorian Britain in 1864.

Following a £2.2m project the Roman remains are now better protected by a new shelter in the form of a lightweight, wrapped volume, intentionally neutral and abstract in appearance. The archaeology is the star of the show, including 250sqm of extraordinary crisp mosaics, and the new shelter is designed to be subservient to it. Alongside the new conservation shelter, the old Victorian visitor centre has been upgraded and works to the landscape have improved access and enhanced the setting of the villa.

Client: The National Trust

Construction value: £2,227,200

Completion: March 2012