The inquest into the death of architect Richard Feilden has ruled that it was caused by a “tragic accident”.

Feilden, a founding partner in Feilden Clegg Bradley, died when he was crushed by an ash tree he was felling to use as firewood, the inquest heard.

The architect was working in a glade behind his home in Warleigh, near Bath, at the time of the accident, on 3 January this year.

The Bristol inquest heard that Feilden’s wife Patricia found his body trapped under the 12 m long section of tree while out searching for him in the woods.

Avon coroner Paul Forrest described the incident as “an extremely tragic accident”.

Feilden, who was 54, was celebrated among his peers for founding and maintaining a firm that was noted for its commitment to sustainability and placemaking, rather than iconic buildings.

Feilden believed passionately in cutting pollution and providing affordable housing and consistently practised what he preached.