Old Pye House, Harrow-on-the-Hill, is a rare Grade II listed medieval timber-framed building dating from the 15th century and listed by Historic England as a priority Heritage at Risk site. Hayatsu Architects were tasked to develop a strategy for its repair, sustainable reuse, and long-term stewardship, alongside the design of a new, detached annex New Pye House.
The project prioritises the conservation of the historic fabric through archival research, archaeological investigation, dendrochronology, and collaboration with heritage consultants, structural engineers, and timber-frame specialists.
Later Victorian and 20th-century additions that obscured the original form are removed, allowing the reinstatement of the medieval timber frame, lath and daub panels, and clay peg tile roof. Lime-washed finishes protect the structure while recalling traditional regional building practices.
Timber survey by Penny Copeland and McCurdy & Co
Old Pye House is reimagined as an artist’s studio within a wider homestead including Mission House and Mission Workshop. It will host fully funded artist residencies, providing space for living and working in a historically significant setting, while opening to the public to support ongoing maintenance.
Elevation study of Old Pye House
New Pye House, a detached timber-framed annex, replaces the later additions. Designed as a contemporary counterpart, it employs regenerative construction: low-carbon, locally sourced materials, high-performance insulation, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient systems minimise environmental impact. Its compact form is partially sunken to reduce visual impact within the tight urban surroundings, with charred timber cladding and a patinated copper roof clearly distinguishing it from the lime-washed historic house.
Elevation study of New Pye House
Together, Old and New Pye House combine heritage, craft, and 21st-century sustainable design, engaging in a thoughtful dialogue between historic and contemporary architecture, securing the future of a rare medieval building while offering resilient, environmentally responsible contemporary living and working spaces.
