When Thame Shed were offered a storage shed, it needed planning consent for change of use and modest upgrading to cater for the needs of its new occupants. We were delighted to support this new community venture by volunteering our services.

The building is fully operational and Thame Shed became an instant success with many people signing up to make use of the facilities, manufacturing, repairing and restoring all kinds of things and building community in the process. A great project for a great client and a wonderful transformation of a utilitarian shed to promote community.

Mike Ashford – President Thame Shed said:

“The Thame Shed project involves converting a former storage area in the back of an old agricultural barn into a community workshop. The initial challenge was to secure ‘change of use’ for the building and then to devise and draw up plans which would satisfy Building Control. Leap Architects were totally supportive from the moment they were made aware of the project and used their expertise and experience to deal with every stage of the planning process, devising a scheme that would ensure that building would be a safe and habitable environment for members of the community to make, mend, create, repair and refurbish.

The particular challenge of an existing asbestos roof was dealt with by Leap’s recommendation of a spray foam insulation system which will also be used on the barn walls and give levels of insulation to keep the workshop usable in winter.

As Trustees we had total faith in Leap’s ability to deliver. The quality of work was impressive but it was their responsiveness which created a level of trust which removed any anxiety we had that the project could be a success. I would recommend them unreservedly to anyone requiring architectural services.”