The Thirsty Bird
In the heart of Wimborne, a Grade II Listed building, formerly an office, has been transformed by DMW into 'The Thirsty Bird,' a vibrant café that bridges the gap between the past and present. This conversion, completed in January 2017, preserves the charm of the building’s history while creating an inviting space for the local community. The careful balance of old and new elements enables visitors to experience both the rich heritage of the site and a contemporary, welcoming atmosphere.
Architect: Derek Williams
Project Team: Planning Consultant: Planning Base Ltd
Status: Complete
The client, a private developer, commissioned the project to transform a tired and underused office building into an open and welcoming space that would also celebrate the historic character of the building. The adaptive reuse project highlighted the buildings original features while incorporating new, contemporary design elements.
The project required careful planning and execution to preserve the building’s heritage while introducing new interventions. Detailed 3D models were used to visualise the internal spaces and integrate the original structure with modern design elements. The project adhered to all requirements set forth by the Conservation Officer of East Dorset District Council, ensuring that each design decision respected the building’s listed status.