Our competence as a practice has been established on Cowley Manor, an award winning building project for a private client. The complex brief demanded the introduction of a new contemporary spa building in a Grade II* listed garden and the adaptation and refurbishment of the dilapidated 19th Century manor house and stables to accommodate a new 30 bedroom hotel. The refurbishment work required listed building consent. Extensive research into the history of Cowley was carried out and the design was developed in close consultation with the Cotswold District Council, in particular the Listed Buildings, who were very supportive of the project throughout. The design approach was to establish spaces of a scale appropriate to the original buildings. New architectural elements were conceptually treated as 'furniture' occupying these rooms. Where original features existed, these were restored as found, creating a setting against which distinctive contemporary interventions could be made. The brief for the spa, which received a Civic Trust Award in 2003, was to provide spaces for exercise, relaxation and contemplation of the surrounding landscape within the grounds of Cowley Manor. It is a highly serviced facility including indoor and outdoor pools, 'underground' treatment, changing, steam and sauna rooms and a gym. The exceptional approval of planning and listed building permission for a new build spa in a Grade II* listed garden at Cowley Manor is testament to our ability to provide innovative solutions in complex situations. Having originally been advised that no new building would be permitted in the listed garden, it was proposed that the spa building be sunk 'below' ground level.