NEB ambition

The ultimate ambition of the New European Bauhaus is to achieve transformation. To do this, the NEB Compass has identified specific levels of ambition that outline the desired outcomes for each of the NEB values.

Action areas

These areas refer to the five key domains of intervention that CrAFt's New European Bauhaus Impact Model considers essential for guiding and evaluating complex urban initiatives.

Participation level

The participation level refers to the degree or extent to which individuals or groups are actively involved or engaged in a particular activity, project, or process. It assesses the depth of their involvement, contributions, and commitment, ranging from minimal or passive participation to active and dedicated participation.

NEB values

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to promote the values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in the design and transformation of urban spaces. It emphasises the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations to create harmonious and innovative living environments.

Implementation Stage

According to the Smart City Guidance Package, there are seven stages to plan and implement smart city projects. These stages propose a logical and coherent roadmap for city initiatives involving many stakeholders.

Stories

Athelhampton House: balancing heritage and sustainability

This 15th-century building, located in the United Kingdom, blends historic preservation with modern sustainability. Renewable energy investments have cut its carbon footprint by 100 tonnes annually, while restoration efforts maintain its legacy with eco-friendly materials. Awarded the European Sustainable Heritage Award 2024, Athelhampton sets a benchmark for sustainable heritage.

Takeaways:

  • Balancing heritage with future needs: Athelhampton’s restoration efforts use sustainable materials and methods, ensuring the preservation of its historical features while minimising environmental impact and preparing for the future.
  • Community engagement and educational value: The estate creates local employment, supports artisans, and offers educational workshops and events, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its heritage.
  • Sustainable innovation in historical settings: Athelhampton House demonstrates how modern energy solutions, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage, can be seamlessly integrated into a centuries-old building, ensuring its environmental sustainability without compromising its architectural integrity.

Nestled in Dorset’s countryside, Athelhampton House has been a pillar of English heritage for centuries. Built in the 15th century, this Tudor manor is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Today, it is also celebrated as a model for integrating sustainability into historic preservation. 

Preserving a legacy 

Athelhampton’s history is deeply intertwined with the region. Its intricate woodwork and landscaped gardens reflect the craftsmanship of bygone eras, and its preservation ensures the survival of a rich cultural legacy. Over the years, its current owners have worked tirelessly to restore and maintain this iconic property while adapting it to meet modern challenges. 

Sustainable Innovation 

Under the stewardship of the current owners, Athelhampton has transformed to align its operations with sustainable practices. A significant investment in renewable energy—including solar panels, heat pumps, and Tesla battery storage—has made the estate self-sufficient in energy. These efforts have dramatically reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 100 tonnes of CO₂ annually and have saved an estimated £100,000 in energy costs each year.

Restoration efforts also prioritise sustainable materials and methods, ensuring the estate’s historical features remain intact while reducing environmental impact. This approach strikes a delicate balance between preserving the past and safeguarding the future. 

Benefits to the community 

Athelhampton’s sustainability efforts have far-reaching benefits for the local community. The estate provides employment opportunities, supports local artisans, and serves as an educational resource. Workshops, guided tours, and partnerships with schools offer insights into both heritage and environmental conservation, creating a space where history and innovation converge. 

Events hosted at Athelhampton, such as local festivals and heritage days, strengthen community ties and provide a venue for shared experiences. For the region, the estate is a symbol of pride and a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation.

Acknowledgement of excellence 

In recognition of these achievements, Athelhampton House was awarded the European Sustainable Heritage Award in 2024, a price organised by European Historic Houses in partnership with Airbnb. This accolade highlights the estate’s commitment to harmonising historic preservation with environmental responsibility, offering inspiration for similar initiatives across Europe. 

Through its efforts, Athelhampton has shown how historic estates can evolve to meet modern challenges without losing their essence. For both the local community and broader audiences, it remains a cherished landmark, blending the old with the new in a way that respects heritage and embraces sustainability.

Written by Emmanuelle Causse, UIPI
Images by Alba Calderón Castro, European Historic Houses

A story about…

Location

Protagonists

Private company

NEB Values

Sustainable · Together

Participation level

Self-managed communities

Action areas

Technical-environmental performance

Implementation stage

6. Act

Story format

Text · Image

Ambition

Sustainable - Close the loop · Beautiful - Connect · Sustainable - Regenerate
This 15th-century building, located in the United Kingdom, blends historic preservation with modern sustainability. Renewable energy investments have cut its carbon footprint by 100 tonnes annually, while restoration efforts maintain its legacy with eco-friendly materials. Awarded the European Sustainable Heritage Award 2024, Athelhampton sets a benchmark for sustainable heritage.