New book
The Old Forge
Architect’s story of a transformational journey of a former forge into a two bedroom house
About the book
The Old Forge is a compelling architectural case study that documents the remarkable five-year transformation of a dilapidated 1840s forge in Chenies, Buckinghamshire, into a contemporary two-bedroom home.
More than just a portfolio of beautiful photographs, this book is a practical guide for architects, students, and clients who want to understand how to breathe new life into forgotten buildings. It takes you behind the scenes of a complex adaptive reuse project — from the initial site survey and historical research to navigating planning hurdles, structural challenges, and the integration of sustainable systems.
Written by award-winning architect Kathy Basheva of Studio Basheva, the book is structured around the key phases of the project, each accompanied by “Lessons Learned” that distil the experience into actionable advice. You’ll discover:
- How to “read” a building to uncover its hidden potential and understand its significance.
- How to navigate planning and regulatory challenges, including bat surveys, listed building consent, and phased applications.
- How to coordinate structural solutions, such as bespoke steel trusses and ground remediation.
- How to integrate sustainable systems, including air source heat pumps, insulation strategies, and reclaimed materials.
- How to design for biodiversity, with bee bricks, native plantings, and water features.
The book also includes a Decision Log that reveals the thinking behind key material and system choices, a Budget Breakdown to help clients understand project costs, and a “What We’d Do Differently” section that offers honest reflections on the journey.
Richly illustrated with full-colour photography, architectural drawings, and before-and-after images, The Old Forge is both a beautiful coffee-table book and a valuable reference for anyone interested in heritage, sustainability, and the art of adaptive reuse.
Who is this book for?
| Audience | What you’ll learn |
|---|---|
| Architecture students | How to read a derelict building, develop a concept, and present a complex project clearly. |
| Young architects | How to navigate planning applications, coordinate with structural engineers, and specify sustainable systems. |
| Professors | A ready-made case study for teaching adaptive reuse and sustainable design. |
| Clients & developers | A realistic timeline, cost-awareness, and how to assemble the right team. |
| Heritage professionals | Practical techniques for conserving original features and repurposing materials. |
| Design enthusiasts | Inspiration and practical tips for reusing materials creatively and integrating modern heating. |
| Urban planners | Evidence that small-scale, sensitive conversions can deliver high-quality housing. |
Buy the book
Paperback
—
Full colour, printed and distributed through IngramSpark. Also orderable through bookshops and online retailers.
Signed copy
—
Signed by the author and sent direct from the studio.
11-page extract, PDF
- TitleThe Old Forge
- AuthorKathy Basheva
- PublisherStudio Basheva
- ISBN978-1-0369-8629-2
- FormatPaperback, full colour
- Extent121 pages
- Size5.5 × 8.5 in
- Published2026
How your order is handled
Paperback copies are printed and distributed through IngramSpark, which also makes the book orderable through bookshops and online retailers. Signed copies are sent direct from the studio. Payment is taken by the checkout provider; Studio Basheva never sees or stores your card details.
