J Andrew Shop & Post Office, Woolsery

The shop in the heart of Woolsery village is one of the many dilapidated buildings being brought back to life by tech entrepreneurs, Michael and Xochi Birch. Jonathan Rhind Architects’ who have been the project architects for the whole raft of schemes in the village drew up proposals for the historic building repair and upgrades, secured planning approval, drew up technical designs and oversaw the site as contract administrators.

Jonathan Rhind Architects also had a key role in coordinating the multitude of consultants who were essential to getting the project completed; from mechanical and electrical engineers, to the lighting and interior designers.

The historic property was completely renovated. Lifting the ceiling created head height and opening up the original windows, which had been hidden by shelving created a sense of space despite not increasing the footprint of the property. The post office also has its own separate space, allowing for more circulation space in the main shop.

Upstairs, unused rooms became luxury hotel suites with picture windows flooding the space with light.

The shop provides locals and visitors to the village with essentials as well as locally produced artisan goods, and will eventually be stocked with produce from Birch Farm, and baked goods from the bakery.  The sensitive refurbishment has created a refreshed and updated shop, while the historic building has been sensitively repaired, with the historic character now more apparent than ever.

Interior photographs courtesy Michael Grubb Studio, © Matt Austin

Project team: 

Client: Michael and Xochi Birch - The Collective at Woolsery
Architects: Jonathan Rhind Architects
Construction: Anthony Branfield Carpentry & Building
Landscape Architects: Urquhart & Hunt
Interior Design: New Heritage Design
Lighting Design: Michael Grubb Studio