The Roman Villa Experience
South Somerset, South West
Civic Trust Awards Citation
The Hadspen Roman Villa was discovered in 1832 and partially excavated between 1966 and 1971. The Newt In Somerset embarked on a mission to not only preserve the ruins but to transport visitors back in time to Roman life in 356 AD. offering a comprehensive experience of the villa’s original grandeur.
The project consists of two integral components: the reconstruction of the Roman Villa and the construction of a modern museum. The museum, a sleek glass-fronted structure on a steel frame, hovers above the original excavated foundations. This design decision not only protects the archaeological site but also allows visitors to witness the Roman bathhouse at the heart of the museum. The reconstructed villa, nestled into the hillside, provides a living museum piece, authentically recreating the villa, its grounds, vineyard, stables, and workshops. Extensive international research and collaboration with historians, archaeologists, and local craftspeople have resulted in a faithful reproduction of the villa. Attention to detail in construction methods, materials, and layout contributes to the authenticity of the experience. The landscape, complete with a vineyard, gardens, and outbuildings, enhances visitor engagement, creating a holistic representation of Roman life.
Sustainability and contextual design are evident in the Roman Villa, showcasing environmental management practices employed by the ancient Romans. The architectural and archaeological care taken in the project is apparent, with meticulous research informing the use of authentic Roman materials and techniques. Accessibility has been provided with level thresholds throughout and inclusive toilets provided in both the museum and villa. For those with mobility challenges, a golf buggy or a horse-drawn carriage is available, making the site accessible to all.
The visitor journey begins at the museum, where educational exhibits and audio aids detail the archaeological findings and the inspiration behind the recreated villa. The seven-year collaborative effort of archaeologists, architects, engineers, and craftsmen culminates in the Villa Ventorum, and a virtual-reality suite allows visitors to step back in time and experience the fourth century firsthand.
Judges’ Comments: “The Roman Villa Experience is not only a historical preservation project but is an immersive experience that transcends time.”
Photography Credits & Captions
001Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: The original archaeological ruins, the reinterpreted ruins beyond the glass and the 1:1 artefact of the re-imagined villa beyond 002Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Reinterpreted ruins [timber blocks following the line of the archeology below ground] with the glazed elevation of the museum behind 003Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: The Villa with the thatched and shingled roofs of the outbuildings beyond the formal gardens 004ThijsWolzak-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Thijs Wolzak, Caption: Night time shot of the Museum. 005Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: The vaulted museum ceiling [incorporating supply air and lighting along the low points of the arch, with the 50m glazed elevation [2.4 x 5m glass panels] 006Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Villa and Formal Gardens in the foreground with the museum as a background building. 007Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Glass balustrade within the museum allows uninterrupted views and interaction with the archaeological ruins. 008Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Elevation bay of the re-imagined Villa showing stone roof tiles, lead-lined oak guttering, terracotta Tegula and Imbrex tiles, Hadspen stone walls either exposed or lime plastered. 009Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Villa in wider context showing a glimpse of the museum 010Fotohaus-RVM-SD.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Detail of the oak-framed outbuilding incorporating wattle and daub to the walls on a stone plinth and long-straw thatch roof. 18mrz008.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Making the mosaic - hand cutting 20drq049.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Laying the mosaic on matts with infill pieces as needed 300621_125.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Fresco painting - by Florentine Conservatour Daniella Murphy 04mrz099.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: installing the daub to the wattle screens with the green oak frame 19frz006.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: laying the pillae for the hypocaust void 21erz004.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: lining the oak gutters with lead. Lead from the Mendips was found in Pompei. 07erz007.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Laying the stone [blue and white lias] diamond tile. Same shape as was found in the ruins 01krz021.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: wattle screens to green oak frame and thatch internally 06crz012.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Long-straw thatch 27arz083.jpg, Credit: Craig Auckland, Fotohaus, Caption: Installing the green oak frame
Overall Result
Highly Commended
Application Type
Large / Mixed Use Class
Primary Use Class
F1(c) Museums
Secondary Use Class
F1(a) Provision of education
Credits
Architect
Stonewood Design
Services Engineer
E3 Consulting Engineers
Cost Consultant
Synergy
Main Contractor
Stonewood Builders
Planning Consultant
AZ Urban Studio
Exhibition Designer
Kossmann de Jong
Glazing Consultant
Glass Light and Special Structures
Structural Engineer
Hydrock Consulting Engineers