The client owned a Grade II listed barn within the grounds of their house and were keen to put it to use as additional accommodation for when their family came to stay. As barn conversion specialists, they got in touch with us as we were able to take the project through both design and build – something that was of particular interest to the client.
The required spec for the conversion was:
The barn was one of the most attractive timber frames we have seen with diagonal ‘X’ bracing, and the interior was unspoilt by later additions. The design process aimed at retaining the attractive quality of the existing spaces and keeping the timber frame on show. We were able to use an existing first floor storage deck to form a first floor bedroom with en-suite. Additional sleeping accommodation was provided on the ground floor along with bathrooms.
The project is ongoing.
Surveys showed that there was a risk of bats being present within the barn, however our consultant ecologist was able to monitor the project under a low impact license from Natural England, simplifying the process of compliance with wildlife legislation.
As a listed barn, the local authority planning department took particular interest in many aspects of the scheme. New windows were kept to an absolute minimum and specification of breathable materials and lime plaster were essential. This proved to be a particular challenge with the client’s obvious desire to keep the historic timber frame on show. The solution was a careful balance between wood fibre insulation on the outside of the frame and sheep’s wool insulation between studwork.
The floor also needed to be breathable and a limecrete slab was proposed. This insulated but breathable construction was laid on-site by our team.
We are in the early stages of the project and look forward to completing the conversion of this beautiful barn in spring 2026.
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