Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
Barn Conversion, East Kent
A Conversion That Has Stood The Test Of Time
Client Brief
This is a project that was completed in 2008. This client came to us to work through their planning and listed building application to convert their existing granary. The conversion of the granary alone was not going to provide enough space, so the proposal was to demolish and re-build some adjacent pig sheds, creating a double garage, a large sitting room and an annex for guests.
Even more floor space was required, and the client was keen to explore the possibility of incorporating a basement beneath the new-build elements of the project. The plan was for this new basement to be built into an ‘L’ shape and to include a cinema room, a bar, large games room and a plant room. It would extend beneath a new stone patio.
The Project
This was an evolving, developing brief. The granary structure was in reasonable condition, but required full fitting-out including new concrete sub-floor, replacement second floor mezzanine, new internal walls, staircase, windows, roof covering, and so on.
The build took around 12 months and involved the full range of trades.
Challenges
We had to battle with very heavy clay soil and a high water table which made waterproofing the basement structure a challenge. Careful thought and design helped to overcome these issues and kept the end costs in line with original estimated budget.
Outcome
We and our clients are very happy with the end result. The property is a mixture of conversion and new-build over a total of four floors. This was a brilliant use of the site with every possible opportunity maximised.
What the client said…
“We were so impressed by Vernacular Homes’ professional approach, standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
We would tell them what it was that we wanted and it was Trevor’s and Edward’s roles to translate these wishes into something practical that they could actually design and build. Because the property is listed, there were many restrictions on what could be done and they had to work a way to meet the planning requirements while trying to give us what we had wanted.
Their advice and ideas ranged from fundamental construction to interior design and effectively helped us to make our dreams come true.
We were consistently updated on progress throughout the project and weekly meetings were held to enable any outstanding issues or questions to be resolved.
Financial projections were updated monthly and any changes (subject to our agreement) formally communicated in updates to the project contract.
As far as quality and lifestyle are concerned, all I can tell you is that we have made full use of everything we built into the property. Whenever we have visitors, they all remark upon the high specification and workmanship….even 15 years later!
We would have no hesitation in recommending Vernacular Homes to anyone seeking to develop a property of character to a high level of specification.”
Our views on the project…
“We always strive to create beautiful homes that are not only designed and built to the highest standards, but that will continue to work for our clients’ lifestyles long into the future.
We’re very proud that our clients are enjoying their home as much today as when they first moved in and we hope they will do so for many more years to come.”