Andrew Vallis, Head Of Architecture
When stepping outside our industry, it doesn’t take long to see that accessibility is too often treated as a mere tick-box exercise. Nationally prescribed standards are followed to the letter but rarely go beyond the basics. Before joining PLG, I was as guilty as anyone of assuming that providing a ramp at the entrance and a changing place inside a public building was sufficient. While these elements are crucial, they should not be the driving force behind the design process. True accessibility requires an understanding of how different people experience and interact with their environment—an aspect of design that remains all too often under the radar.
That’s why it was so heartwarming to see Wraxall Yard among the shortlisted projects for this year’s Stirling Prize—the Oscars of architecture. This project embodies the principle of designing for accessibility in a meaningful way. Wraxall Yard, a series of barn conversions, offers people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy beautiful, well-considered holiday accommodation. Designing disability-friendly spaces for multiple users is a notoriously difficult task. Individual needs can be so unique that they often require entirely bespoke solutions. However, this project goes a long way toward providing maximum accessibility for a wide range of users.
While Wraxall Yard does not offer the level of tailored accommodation we provide, it stands out for two key reasons. Firstly, it has been nominated for the most prestigious award in UK architecture, demonstrating that accessibility-focused design can achieve mainstream recognition. Secondly, it showcases an accessible conversion in a heritage setting—something frequently considered impractical due to the perceived conflict between preservation and accessibility. Adapting historic buildings often requires interventions that are seen as compromising their historical integrity. Yet, this project proves that thoughtful design can balance both priorities. Granted, these were disused barns rather than a listed rectory in the Cotswolds, but the principles remain the same. There are valuable lessons here that can be applied even to the most challenging of heritage buildings.
As designers, we are often guilty of underplaying the small yet significant design choices we make to create the best possible outcomes. These considerations become so ingrained in our process that we take them for granted. I vividly recall a conversation with one of our architects about a hoist frame recessed into the underside of a king-post truss. The simplicity and elegance of the solution—transforming a potentially cumbersome element into an integrated and aesthetically pleasing feature—was remarkable. Yet, to the architect, it was just another detail, barely worth mentioning. These are precisely the kinds of innovations we need to highlight. The more visible such design solutions become, the more they will be integrated into everyday practice. And ultimately, that is the goal: for disability considerations to be a natural, unremarkable part of everyday life.
Historically, I have believed that achieving mainstream architectural recognition for bespoke accessible design would be nearly impossible. The unique constraints and tailored nature of our work make it challenging to fit within traditional architectural award categories. However, Wraxall Yard’s nomination challenges that assumption. It shows that with the right approach and a commitment to excellence, accessible design can—and should—be celebrated at the highest levels. Working closely with our clients and their teams, why shouldn’t we aim to be the first recipient of the Stirling Prize for a bespoke accessible dwelling?
Andrew Vallis
PLG Consultants, 18th February 2025
