Emma’s Dell Grasmere

Ben Cunliffe Architects were engaged initially to examine the spatial planning of this existing café and develop design proposals. Our brief was to convert the loft space into attractive separate staff accommodation, relocate the kitchen facilities and maximise the storage areas addressing all building regulation concerns along the way. We assisted our clients with appropriate styles for the renovated areas, including fixtures and fittings and designed bespoke joinery items such as banquette seating. All alterations had a contemporary twist but were simple in form and style allowing the design to remain very much in keeping with the original building

Once internal concepts were settled, the brief was then extended to improve the visual impact of the café and address external seating and disability access.

A raised decked area provided a simple solution to increasing the external table space whilst providing wheelchair access to the café.

Full height bi-fold doors allowed natural light to flood into the café, whilst an oversized front door provided access to wheelchairs and buggies. Narrow strips of cedar cladding provided the contemporary twist and complimented the Lakeland stone façade on the older section of the building. The deep overhanging veranda provided protection from the Lake District weather. This raised decked area would now provide a functional indoor/outdoor space making the café an attractive spot to visit all year round.

Emma’s Dell in now one of the most popular places to dine in Grasmere.

Time was of the essence on this commercial project with a hope to open in time for the summer season and with the use of local contractors and materials we were able to deliver on time and to budget.