PROJECT OVERVIEW
St Dunstans House, Glastonbury
Heritage and Listed building
|
Client |
Glastonbury Town Council |
|
Architect |
02i Design |
|
Contract Value |
£1.3 million |
|
Completion |
Summer 2025 |
PROJECT SUMMARY
Alteration, Extension & Refurbishment.
Melhuish & Saunders Ltd was appointed to undertake the alteration, extension and refurbishment of the Grade II listed St Dunstan's House, delivering a carefully managed restoration that balances the preservation of an important historic building with the creation of modern, accessible facilities for the community.
Located within the historic grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, a Scheduled Monument, the project demanded exceptional care, craftsmanship and close collaboration with conservation specialists to protect the significance of the site while delivering a contemporary community space.
Restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II listed St Dunstan's House
Construction of a new rear extension
New glazed atrium linking St Dunstan's House with the Grade II* Glastonbury Town Hall
Replacement first-floor balcony
New Changing Places facility
New plant room
Structural roof repairs
New drainage and attenuation systems
Archaeologically monitored groundworks throughout the project
Let’s build something exceptional together.
PRESERVING HERITAGE, CREATING THE FUTURE
One of the defining features of the project is the creation of a new glazed atrium.
The atrium provides a contemporary link between St Dunstan's House and Glastonbury Town Hall. Internally, extensive refurbishment works are carefully restoring the character of the historic building while introducing modern facilities that will support its long-term use by the community.
The new rear extension will provide a Changing Places facility, improving accessibility for visitors, together with a new plant room to efficiently serve the refurbished building.
Throughout the project, every detail has been considered to ensure the building's heritage is celebrated while meeting the needs of future generations.
CRAFTSMANSHIP & CONSERVATION
Heritage projects demand exceptional attention to detail
This development has showcased the craftsmanship and experience of the Melhuish & Saunders team.
Groundworks
All excavation works were undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Scheduled Monument Consent, with careful consideration given to the archaeological significance of the site within the historic grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.
Groundworks were carefully planned and monitored, ensuring excavation was carried out in an appropriate manner and that the historic ground was protected throughout the construction process.
New drainage and attenuation systems were installed to serve the refurbished building and new extension, with the works carefully coordinated to minimise disturbance to the surrounding historic environment.
Workmanship
The quality of workmanship throughout the project has been outstanding, with traditional stonework and restoration techniques playing a key role in preserving the building's unique character.
Complex structural roof repairs have been completed using carefully designed scaffolding systems that protected both the workforce and the historic fabric of the building.
DELIVERING HERITAGE PROJECTS
Working on listed buildings requires more than construction expertise.
It demands an understanding of conservation principles, careful planning and close collaboration with heritage consultants, architects and local authorities.
The restoration of St Dunstan's House demonstrates Melhuish & Saunders' ability to successfully deliver complex heritage projects while respecting the historic significance of nationally important buildings.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques, we are helping secure the future of this important Glastonbury landmark for generations to come.
Looking to Deliver a Heritage Project?
Melhuish & Saunders has extensive experience delivering heritage restorations, listed building refurbishments and sensitive extensions across the South West.
Whether your project involves conservation, refurbishment or the sympathetic extension of a historic building, our experienced team can provide the expertise needed to deliver outstanding results.