Beside the iconic Cotswold Way and overlooking the Severn Estuary stands a cluster of once dilapidated barns. This rural location has been reimagined by Artel31 and Hither Garden Design as an ecologically-focused and energy-efficient farm-to-table destination that combines regenerative farming, sustainable construction and biodiversity-focused landscaping. The site—which includes a cafe and restaurant, wildflower gardens and pastures—is run by passionate organic farmers and Pasture for Life-certified producers.
Inspired by Enzo Mari’s democratic design principles
Artel31 drew inspiration for the design from Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione, a set of open-source furniture plans that encourage self-built, accessible design. Following this philosophy, the architects have created a space that respects the location and builds on and around the existing buildings using simple, sustainable and reclaimed materials.
“There is truth and beauty in the existing buildings,” the architects note in an interview with Food in Space. “They weren’t designed to hide anything, they were simply built to be the most efficient usage of the site for its agricultural heritage.” The space celebrates this history, renovating the barns as a dining, kitchen and deli area. Large windows were installed to maximise the location’s 270-degree views, while their position was determined to minimise light spill and regulate solar gain.
An ecoconscious building for organic, biodyamic fare
Sophie Butcher of Hither Garden Design has created a wildflower garden that balances the formality of built elements with the organic character of the surrounding landscape. The biodiverse design supports pollinators and local wildlife, while a rainwater harvesting system complements the farm’s regenerative ethos.
The farm itself is organic and biodynamically certified: cattle graze on upland pastures in summer and valley pastures in winter, and hay is cut late to allow wildflowers to seed. Hedgerows have been restored, and limestone grasslands are managed under environmental stewardship agreements with Natural England, enhancing soil health and ecological resilience.
Lilliput Farm Kitchen is the first restaurant in the UK to be certified by Pasture for LIfe, meaning that the animals are raised entirely on grass and conserved forage, without grain or intensive finishing. This certification ensures high animal welfare standards and full traceability, allowing diners to know exactly where their food comes from.
Sustainable and democratic design
Designed with both environmental performance and guest comfort in mind, the buildings feature a high-spec air source heat pump (ASHP) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system for year-round energy efficiency. In support of low-carbon transport, electric car charging is provided with space allocated for future battery storage.
Farm to table restaurants aren’t new, but Lilliput’s approach—regenerative and pastoral farming, old and new traditions, sustainable and democratic design—demonstrates how well designed projects can help regenerate landscapes and food culture.
