Nye Saunders were involved on other conversion projects within this former farm site, so when Planning Consultant Philip Stone (FRICS, FAAV) approached us again to prepare a design for the conversion of an existing barn we were delighted.

 

The brief called for the conversion of an existing timber framed barn, with a single-storey lean-to at the rear.  The outcome was a contemporary design with traditional elements to celebrate the old and new.  Using vertical timber cladding throughout with a brick plinth gave a nod to the barn’s history, but the arrangement and style of the cladding and fenestration – integrated with areas of zinc cladding and the use of modern sliding bi-fold doors – gives an overall contemporary look.  This style continues internally, with generous open-plan living spaces (kitchen, dining and lounge) providing the ideal setting for modern family life, yet the exposed timber trusses are celebrated above in the vaulted ceilings to serve as a trendy reminder of the past.

 

Once the scheme received planning consent, we were retained to carry out the Technical Design stage of the project.  This involved preparing detailed working drawings for making a full plans submission to Building Control and for construction purposes.  We collaborated with the structural engineers, Stephen Wilson Partnership, and the main contractor, Clarke Roofing Southern, to help achieve the finished product.  Furthermore, as the design evolved through this technical process, we assisted with preparing additional plans for subsequent planning submissions.

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Photos courtesy of Jackson-Stops, Reigate branch (photo credit: Bagshaw & Hardy).