Perched above the historic heart of Penzance, the Pixel project stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture—where heritage, innovation, and community ambition converge. As project architects at Stride Treglown, for RIBA Stages 3, 4 & 5, Ed Houlton and I (Paul Channing) had the privilege of shaping this unique destination, which was recently celebrated as the Winner of ‘Project of the Year’ at Michelmore’s Property Awards 2025 (under £10M).
‘Project of the Year’ Winner: Pixel, Penzance
Paul Channing • 7 July 2025
Pixel, Penzance: Breathing New Life into Penzance’s Creative Heart
A Dialogue Between Old and New
Pixel’s site is extraordinary: 40 new artist workshops for Cornwall’s vibrant creative community, cleverly positioned above a Grade II listed reservoir. This blend of contemporary design and historic structure required a sensitive, imaginative approach. Through my ongoing work with BluePrint Architectural Workshop, we ensured the conservation of the reservoir and carefully restored its historic walls, allowing the past to guide and enhance the present.
Overcoming Adversity
The journey faced notable challenges. The collapse of the original contractor, Midas, could have led to disaster. Instead, the project’s resilience shone through, with Kier stepping in to ensure the vision was realised. The steadfast support of Cornwall Council, as the client, was crucial—showing the importance of public investment in creative infrastructure, even amidst uncertainty.
A Living Canvas: Pixel’s Dynamic Façade
Perhaps most striking is Pixel’s shimmering glass façade—a living canvas that transforms with the touch of light. By day, it reflects the Cornish sky; by night, architectural lighting washes the building in shifting hues. The cladding becomes a beacon, celebrating the spirit of Penzance—glowing in different colours for sporting triumphs, community festivals, or any other occasion. Pixel’s façade is not just seen, but felt: a vibrant pulse at the heart of the town, echoing the creativity within.
A Hub for Creative Enterprise
Today, Pixel is more than just a building; it is a vibrant hub for over 40 creative SMEs, offering affordable, purpose-built studios in the heart of Penzance. The design is unapologetically contemporary, providing a bold counterpoint to the reservoir’s historic stonework and embodying Penzance’s progressive spirit. Large windows flood the studios with natural light, creating an environment that allows artists and makers to flourish.
A Destination for Penzance
Pixel’s influence extends well beyond its walls. It has become a destination—drawing visitors, supporting local businesses, and energising the town’s creative economy. Most importantly, it is a place for people: a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and community pride.
Pixel is proof that with vision, tenacity, and respect for heritage, architecture can create lasting value—honouring the past while shaping a brighter future for Penzance and Cornwall’s creative community.
For more details on the architecture and design, see here.
Photo credits to Pixel & Stride Treglown.
Store 4, HMNB Devonport: Preserving Naval Heritage for the Modern Royal Navy
As we approach the eagerly anticipated reopening of Tinside Lido next week, we're proud to share the culmination of our careful restoration work on this iconic Grade II-listed Art Deco landmark. Built in 1935, this beloved Plymouth institution has stood against nine decades of challenging maritime conditions, making its restoration both complex and crucial.
A Delicate Balance of Past and Present
We are delighted to announce that Christina Channing has joined BluePrint Architectural Workshop as Director. This marks an exciting expansion in our architectural services across Devon and Cornwall.
The Market Hall in Newton Abbot stands as a testament to the town's vibrant commercial heritage. As specialists in listed buildings and heritage properties, BluePrint Architectural Workshop is proud to be part of this significant restoration project, working alongside Teignbridge District Council, LHC Architects, and AECOM. The Challenge: Balancing History with Modern Needs Historic market halls present unique challenges. Years of ad hoc modifications, varying maintenance approaches, and the natural wear of time had left their mark on this 19th-century landmark. Our initial dilapidation surveys revealed several critical issues: Inappropriate modern alterations that compromised the building's historical integrity. Structural concerns requiring specialist attention. Complex compliance requirements for modern safety standards. The need to maintain the building's commercial viability while preserving its heritage. Our Approach: Expertise in Action Drawing upon our 99% success rate with listed building consent applications, we developed a comprehensive strategy that addressed both preservation and practical needs: 1. Detailed Documentation: Our thorough dilapidation surveys mapped every historical feature requiring attention, creating a precise blueprint for restoration. 2. Strategic Planning: We crafted detailed repair information that satisfied both conservation requirements and modern building standards. 3. Consent Navigation: Our expertise in heritage projects proved invaluable in securing the necessary planning and listed building consents, ensuring all stakeholders' requirements were met. The Solution: Restoring Authenticity Our restoration plan focuses on: Removing unsympathetic modern alterations. Reinstating original architectural features. Implementing repairs that respect traditional building methods. Ensuring the building meets contemporary requirements while maintaining its historic character. Progress Update Construction has commenced, marking an exciting phase in the Market Hall's journey. As we progress, we uncover and document historical features hidden for generations, adding to our understanding of this important building's heritage. Looking Forward This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving Devon's architectural heritage while ensuring these buildings remain viable for future generations. We'll be sharing regular updates on social media as this exciting project progresses, documenting each step of returning this cherished landmark to its former glory while preparing it for its next chapter.
Traditional joinery often presents complex challenges when it comes to listed buildings in Devon and Cornwall. Our recent Grade II listed project at Rosemount in Ipplepen offers valuable insights into how specialist intervention can deliver authentic solutions whilst improving comfort and efficiency.
Are you contemplating investing in a listed building or planning modifications to your heritage property? Our comprehensive Investment Guide is designed to help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities these special buildings present. Why We Created This Guide There are over 500,000 listed buildings in the UK, each telling a unique story of our architectural heritage. However, owning or developing these properties requires specialist knowledge and careful consideration. Drawing on our extensive experience in the South West, we've created this guide to help you make informed decisions about your heritage property investment. What You'll Discover Our Investment Guide covers essential aspects of heritage property development: Understanding listed building significance. Navigating the planning process. Balancing conservation with modern comfort. Sustainable approaches to heritage buildings. Cost considerations and value enhancement. Real-world case studies from our portfolio. Making Heritage Work for You Through carefully selected case studies, we demonstrate how thoughtful architectural intervention can: - Preserve historic character while meeting modern needs - Add value through sensitive design - Improve energy efficiency without compromising heritage - Create comfortable, practical living spaces Expert Guidance As specialists in listed buildings and sensitive sites, we understand the complexities of heritage property development. Our guide reflects our commitment to helping property owners make informed decisions about their investments. Get Your Copy To receive your complimentary copy of our Investment Guide, click here .
Plymouth's iconic Tinside Lido, one of Britain's finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the South West, is undergoing a transformative £2.5 million conservation project. As heritage building specialists at BluePrint Architectural Workshop, we're proud to play a crucial role in preserving this Grade II listed landmark for future generations of Devon and Cornwall residents.
A remarkable transformation has taken place in the heart of Penzance. A once-derelict Grade II-listed reservoir has been given a new lease on life as the Penzance Creative Cluster, now known as Pixel. This innovative project, which I had the privilege of working on during my time at Stride Treglown, showcases an exciting blend of conservation and modern design.
A Monumental Challenge In the heart of Plymouth's historic Devonport area, a piece of naval history recently faced an unexpected setback. The late 18th-century Grade II-listed gateway to South Yard, a testament to Devonport's rich maritime heritage, was accidentally toppled in a traffic incident. As conservation architects, we were given a unique opportunity to piece together this architectural puzzle and breathe new life into a cherished local landmark.
A Gem in Cornwall's Crown Nestled in the picturesque town of Padstow, Cornwall, Cove Cottage stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. This Grade II listed property, dating back to the early 18th century, embodies the charm and character that make Padstow a beloved destination.
Heating large buildings doesn’t have to cost the earth In the heart of Plymouth, a groundbreaking project is setting new standards for sustainable energy in historic settings. BluePrint had the privilege of working with the University of Plymouth to secure listed building consent for an innovative water source heat pump at Drake's Reservoir.
2024. We haven't had time to post for almost 2 years!
We're thrilled to announce that BluePrint has recently achieved the notable milestone of becoming a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice! This achievement demonstrates our enduring commitment to providing the highest quality professional architectural services, upholding the highest ethical and best practice standards in the field. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we will continue to build upon and deliver innovative architectural solutions for our clients. Becoming a RIBA Chartered Practice signifies our growth and evolution as a specialist architecture firm. We look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead as an RIBA Chartered Practice.
The conservation and refurbishment of a beautiful property in Wembury, South Devon
Health and well-being hub
Repurposing for cultural and leisure purposes
A new contractor to pick up the challenge
A new contractor to pick up the challenge
Releasing the potential of a beautiful property
Radford Castle, Devon, PL9
Much more to heritage than architecture
