Sheep have been an integral part of civilization since the beginning: songs, clothing and culture itself were built around the humble flock, providing community, industry and an astonishing amount of wool to mankind for millennia. A space that reflects the surrounding idyllic landscape and frames the countryside in surprising but easy-to-digest compositions, Delfyd Farm with Agricultural Office located on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales. Uniquely made with and for the place it lives, the peninsula is called an Area of outstanding natural beauty from the UK.
The original house was built in 1895, in traditional Gower stone. A simple rectangular floor plan includes the main house, with a veranda for protection from the weather. Four distinct volumes form two new wings, with vertical beaded pine paneling to add cohesion to the extensions. Georgian sash windows featured on the main south-facing facade direct scale and light into the new construction.
The high ceilings create a pleasant, generous feel to the space – however, with the harsh winters, the cool, bright interiors need to be kept warm. Eager to provide an environmentally efficient home, thermal performance was a top priority for the Rural Office team. Taking advantage of the extension’s north-south orientation increases solar gain, preventing overheating and promoting summer cooling through the use of vertical louvres and deep reveals. The red tiled floors keep temperatures constant and cleaning is simple from any muddy boots or errant sheep that might find their way in.
The east wing is used as a gym, while the careful paneling and warm tile details create cohesion in the rest of the house. The blonde wood with the vertical inserts add a beautiful visual lightness throughout the space, a demarcation that shows purpose and personality.
The UK-based Rural Office has sometimes been described as regional, due to its intimate understanding of context within design. Understanding that collaboration is key, they work with those who really know the places they live and work, a knowledge that can only happen after a long stay, a keen eye and a willingness to listen. Having already won the RSAW Welsh Architecture Award 2025, the RSAW Welsh Architecture Small Project of the Year 2025, Delfyd Farm has also been shortlisted for the AJ Award for projects under £500k.
To find out more about Delfyd Farm by Rural Office visit rural-office.co.uk.
Photo by Constructing Narratives.
