It is all too easy for a historical building to be demolished so that a more modern one can take its place. We saw that fact play out in Staffordshire when a beloved wonky pub was knocked down, but it is not alone; Historic England has categorised more than 1,400 buildings as ‘At-Risk’ of being removed and replaced. Back in 2017, the derelict factory at Castle Cary Railway Station, just off the A371, would have been on such a list because a large question mark hung over its future.

Thankfully, Emily Estate – which owns The Newt in Somerset – stepped in, bought the site and was eventually granted permission to renovate it on the condition that any work enhanced existing ecology and the local economy via passing trade. The Newt already excels in combining historic with the ultra modern, all while bringing back the traditional artisanal skills of the past. The Creamery is just the latest in a long line of spectacular projects. The goal was to retain the essence and purpose of the original building whilst also making it a welcoming space for visitors who might like to stop a while.

The challenge was given to Stonewood Design, a group of architects led by founder Nicola du Pisanie and her fellow directors Matt Vaudin and Adam Chambers. Stonewood had worked previously on projects at The Newt including its impressive Roman Museum and the Beezantium – communicating the importance of bees.

Likewise, Stonewood Design knew that to deliver such an ambitious project, they needed to work with specialists they could trust and who had ample experience. Having produced bespoke, luxury glazing for over three decades, and having worked with Stonewood Design on several jobs previously, Cantifix were given the task of designing, sourcing and installing the glass – perhaps the most significant component of The Creamery’s renovation.

Perhaps the most significant part that Cantifix played was in creating the framework and structure for a viewing platform from which visitors can look down on the cheese-making process. Low-iron, frameless, floor-to-ceiling glass was installed to ensure that the visitors have an unobstructed view of the goings on below.  Each type of glass was imbued with the latest in glazing technology that best suited its purpose, such as an easy clean coating, heated and low-iron for safety and extraordinary clarity.

Another eye-catching feature is the frameless glass link, which connects the two spaces, but also which showcases the extraordinary 60ft chimney (which was dismantled brick-by-brick and rebuilt), making it a feature within itself. The use of glass spacers and Sedak hyper-clear glass, lets the surroundings do the talking, while the glass itself whispers.

On the site is also a co-working space, divided up into individual workstations by our bespoke glazing. Other contributions by Cantifix include rooflights, lobby screens, and a glass floor beneath which is a very deep and rather impressive well.