Designing for the Future in a World Heritage City: Barefoot Architects in Bath

At Barefoot Architects, we believe great design blends the past, present, and future. Although we're based in Bristol, Bath is a city we truly love working in. Its rich architectural heritage, stunning landscapes, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site make it a place of inspiration. We’re passionate about creating homes here that honour Bath’s history while embracing modern sustainability and innovative design.

“View over City of Bath from one of our recent projects”

We’re pleased to share that we’ve recently secured planning permission for the remodelling and extension of an existing home within the Bath Conservation Area. The process with the local planning authority was collaborative, timely, and smooth, supported by a well-considered design that responded sensitively to the site’s context.

“Sketch of the proposal for which we have recently secured a planning permission”

Designing in Bath requires sensitivity and careful consideration. As a World Heritage site, the city’s conservation policies protect its historic character. Every project we undertake here is guided by the goal of enhancing, not disrupting, the surroundings. Whether we’re remodelling a historic home or adding contemporary extensions, our approach is always to create spaces that feel rooted in the context of Bath, while responding to the needs of modern living.

“Bath extension that compliments heritage”

Our practice is built on a commitment to ethical, sustainable design. We believe in creating homes that benefit both the people we work with and the environment. Sustainability is central to our work.  We aim to integrate renewable energy solutions, like photovoltaic panels, and use sustainable materials that improve energy efficiency. By enhancing the performance of a building’s fabric - through high-quality insulation and careful design -we reduce carbon footprints and create homes that are comfortable and forward-thinking.

The collaborative spirit of the city is another aspect we value. In our experience, the planning process in Bath is both rigorous and supportive, allowing us to work closely with the local planning authority to achieve designs that are sympathetic to the historical environment while meeting modern needs. It’s a reminder that good design isn’t just about buildings - it’s about people, relationships, and shared goals.

Our mission is to empower our clients to design and build homes that transform the way they live. We combine our architectural expertise with a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Whether we’re working in Bath, Bristol, or beyond, we help our clients create homes that reflect their values and make a positive impact on the world.

If you’re considering a project in Bath, we’d love to collaborate with you. Together, we can create homes that respect the past, embrace the future, and reflect your values.

This is the future we seek to co-create: ethical, sustainable, and thriving communities. Let’s design and build a better world - one step at a time.