National Trust, Hardwick Estate: The Croft

Heritage Office Conversion of a Grade II Listed Cart Shed

AJA was appointed from feasibility through to completion to convert a Grade II listed cart shed into modern offices for the National Trust's integrated consultancy services team. The project combined the sensitive conservation of a historic farm building with the creation of a contemporary, flexible workplace tailored to the needs of a national organisation but also the Harwick Estate team.

Our Role

Working closely with the National Trust, AJA developed a design that respected the significance of the listed building while delivering an efficient, technology-enabled office environment. The project balanced the operational requirements of a large organisation with the character of the historic estate, creating a workspace that reflects both the National Trust's values and the unique setting.

The Scheme

The cart shed forms part of a group of Grade II listed farm buildings that had previously provided accommodation for working holidays, school groups and private bookings. During the 1960s, the original open bays had been infilled with masonry, obscuring the building's historic character.

The proposals carefully restored the building's original appearance by removing the later infill walls and introducing a discreet glazed system set behind the existing brick and stone piers. This reinstated the distinctive open cart shed aesthetic while providing a bright, comfortable and energy-efficient workplace.

The open-plan office incorporates flexible workspaces, hot-desking and modern data infrastructure, supporting collaborative working and adapting to the changing needs of the National Trust.

Interior Design

The interior celebrates the building's historic fabric, with exposed king post trusses and original stone columns becoming defining features of the workspace.

Contemporary finishes were carefully selected to complement the historic structure while reflecting the National Trust's brand identity. Through mood boards and collaborative design workshops, AJA developed an interior palette featuring vibrant green accents, modern furnishings and durable finishes that created a fresh, welcoming and cost-effective working environment.

The Result

The completed project has transformed a redundant agricultural building into a high-quality office that supports modern ways of working while preserving the character of an important heritage asset. The sensitive conversion demonstrates how historic buildings can be successfully adapted to meet the operational needs of contemporary organisations without compromising their architectural significance.