The Barn

The first stage of a project that will create a residential legacy that pays homage to history and addresses future lifestyle requirements. The client is passionate about architecture and asked DLM to work with them to create a plan to redevelop an entire site. The Barn was the first step, repurposing a protected structure that was no longer suitable for modern agricultural equipment and therefore presented an opportunity for conversion to residential accommodation. The Barn currently functions as family accommodation while works to the main farmhouse and other buildings are undertaken. It will subsequently become ancillary guest accommodation and is designed to meet potential future family needs, including being an accessible design to suit less-mobile residents. Our approach was influenced by the need to provide generous and flexible space that would satisfy the family’s current demands while offering a very high quality of finish for an array of potential alternative uses down the line. The existing roof was not structurally sound and required replacement. The new reclaimed purple slate roof is penetrated by numerous rooflights, offering improved natural light and ventilation, and supported on exposed glulam A frames, a gesture to the historic interest of the original structure, whilst emphasising the advanced engineering and technology that’s been introduced throughout the building. Internally the granite skin has been reinforced to accommodate new structure, fully waterproofed and heavily insulated to provide an extremely robust and energy efficient home that carefully weaves itself between the historic voids of the original building. All existing window openings and internal granite walls have been retained and were the determining influence on the spatial arrangement. Our clients wished to preserve the external appearance of the barn, but create a very sharp lining within, focused on high-quality details, materials, fixtures and fittings. The quality of every single bespoke component is testament to the commitment of our client, but also demonstrates the success a more flexible approach to protected structures can have on the user’s enjoyment of the building, and therefore the likelihood of that building being restored and maintained to a high standard for many more years.