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Arvon North, Lumb Bank

The Ted Hughes Writing Centre
GAG 245

We’re delighted to have completed the transformation of Arvon’s Yorkshire Writing House, near Hebden Bridge.

Once home to Ted Hughes, the house was described by novelist Louise Doughty as “the most inspiring place imaginable for writers” — and we couldn’t agree more.

The complex presented a number of challenges, with the primary aim of the project being to make the buildings more accessible and better connected, enabling all guests to experience the Arvon magic. The scheme also replaced the buildings’ reliance on gas with renewable heating systems, alongside a substantial retrofit programme.

Through a pragmatic approach, we addressed key challenges within the buildings and their setting while preserving the unique character of the place.

We worked closely with Lumb Bank’s co-directors to help realise their vision “to make Lumb Bank a cultural hub for the North of England".

Services on this project

Architecture (0-7)
Lead Designer
Consultation & Engagement
Gaining Consents
Sustainability & Passivhaus
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Contract Administration
Principal Designer
Visualisation
RIBA Stages 0 – 7
Stage 0 –The Initial Consultation

Defining the project’s purpose, business case, and initial advice.

Stage 1 –Preparation and Briefing

Developing the project brief, assembling the project team, and conducting site surveys

Stage 2 –Concept Design

Creating initial design concepts, sketch plans, 3D models, and early cost estimates.

Stage 3 –Spatial Coordination

Refining the design, including structural, MEP, and architectural details to achieve consents, such as planning permission.

Stage 4 –Technical Design

Preparing detailed technical drawings, specifications, and building regulations information.

Stage 5 –Manufacturing and Construction

Building the project, including off-site manufacturing and on-site construction.

Stage 6 –Handover

Finalising construction, testing, commissioning, and handing over the building to the client.

Stage 7 –Use

Post-occupancy evaluation, ongoing maintenance, and monitoring of building performance.

Although we’ve been designing far longer, 2026 marks 15 years since Gagarin was officially launched. After hundreds of projects and various awards, in some ways it feels like we’re just getting started. That’s because we’ve now got the expertise and confidence to win and fulfil the work we want most.