This stunning new build barn was built within the side garden of our client’s existing house within a cluster of converted barns. The site had a challenging and sensitive planning context located within the village conservation area and adjacent to listed buildings. The project was successfully granted planning consent at appeal.
The building is both sensitive to its context through the use of traditional materials and building shapes whilst also having unique contemporary design themes. To the former farm courtyard the building is of simple vernacular design to help integrate it into its historic setting. To the rear the design is more ambitious with an upper level of ironstone floating above a ribbon of floor to ceiling slim frame glazing and sliding doors with oak infill panels; the ground floor living spaces are flooded with light and views of the garden.
The interior is modern and contemporary with a dramatic metal and glass staircase, double height entrance area and the bridge link that connects the first floor bedrooms together. Curving pods clad in oak vertical boarding hide away the utility room, WC, shower room and plant to create uncluttered open plan living spaces
Outside the rear garden has been fully landscaped and includes an outdoor kitchen with a covered louvred canopy, eating, relaxing and socialising areas. The retaining walls are clad in burnt cedar cladding to provide a lovely rich texture and tone to the outside.
This project is a great example of introducing contemporary design into an existing historic environment. We think that the architectural contrast is both classic yet striking.
Our client said “I always had a dream to build my own house. We wanted simple clean lines – lots of light around the house – lots of access to the garden – and large open living areas. Throughout the process, Thinking Buildings acted as my trusted advisor and technical conscience – helping me make the right decisions between form and function. Importantly, Thinking Buildings held onto the design concepts we agreed at the start to create a beautiful home for my family, translating my brief and thoughts to create my self build dream house that I am immensely proud of. The project is testimony to Thinking Buildings skill and commitment to creating beautiful architecture and really high levels of client service and support.”
This project has been shortlisted for the Build It Awards 2022 in the “Best Architect or Designer for a Self Build” category.
From the client: “As a first time self builder I was looking for an architect I could partner with and trust – and Thinking Buildings really delivered. Darren, Rachel and the team took my outline drawings and ideas and elevated them to a beautiful design. Thinking Buildings continued to support me throughout the build with stage and detailed advice at every stage. I ended up with my Dream House – a big thank you to Darren, Rachel and the team at Thinking Buildings for making the process enjoyable and rewarding!”
