Our team have been working on a large project for the past year to convert a set of three old barns. The largest barn was Barn A, previously used as stabling & storage.
Barn A is the largest of the three buildings and has now become our clients main home consisting of a large open plan living/dining/kitchen area, a separate living room, utility room, boot room, WC, atrium/hallway & heading upstairs to 4x bedrooms (2x with ensuites), 1x main bathroom & a dressing room.
We worked alongside an architect as well as Somerset building control, planning and Heritage to push the drawings through.
Before works begun, we had multiple site meetings with the architect, ecologist, English Heritage, Planners & structural engineer to work within our constraints. We produced a full CDM pack along with an F10.
The site around Barn A was then cleared along with both timber ends of the barn and finally the asbestos roof & trusses where carefully removed. The two side walls were retained but did have to be underpinned in some sections due to the loading. The two walls are the only part that remains of the original structure.
Due to the age of the building & how out of plumb the walls had become, we had to create a steel structure in order to provide enough support for increasing the height & adding the new roof. New openings were made for the windows and doors.
During the project, the scope was increased to extend the living space – this adds a modern edge to the original old barn building & ties in the black aluminum windows & doors perfectly. We incorporated a large sunroom with a sedum roof & bifold doors to open this space up for that inside/outside flow & to allow light to flow through the open plan living/dining/kitchen space.
There was then a further addition made towards the end of the project to include a double porch.
Things started progressing internally with dividing walls being built.
There is underfloor heating on both the ground floor and 1st floor, which is powered by a ground source heat pump. On the roof we installed both recessed & on roof solar panels & battery storage.
Above this, a ‘living roof’ was installed. This is vegetation (in this case Sedam) planted over a drainage membrane which is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional roofing. It also creates a microclimate for insects & birds, reduces surface runoff & purifies air.
Not only does it look lovely & add greenery to that already stunning view, but it also has many home owner advantages including providing insulation & creating a sound barrier.
Plasterboarding & plastering was underway. This always makes a huge difference & you finally start seeing a glimpse of the home that this was to be.
The landscaping including patio area (with slot ACO drains), retaining wall, lighting, water fountain & steps were completed by us. The perfect space for alfresco dining.
Our talented joiner Paul made a beautiful curved oak staircase in our workshop for this project along with multiple doors & cabinetry. This was designed & built before being expertly installed & painted in situ.
The staircase was painted in a statement blue colour to compliment the patterned flooring & create a real feature as you come in through the large front door in to the hallway. The treads & handrail were stained. We also implemented some useful storage space underneath; perfect for shoes & coats.
This project really started taking shape & was ready to be painted.
Well thought out storage spaces & cabinetry was installed, again in the blue paint to keep a cohesive flow throughout this home. Below is a small cupboard which has become a wardrobe space.
We were delighted to return a few months later to take some photos of the completed project & are so proud of the hardwork shown by our team to turn this old barn in to the showstopping home it now is.
As you walk in to the large light-filled entrance hall, you’re immediately struck by the beautiful oak staircase, complimented by patterned floor tiles. The full height only maximise the feeling of space with a mezzanine level above & feature pendant lighting.
As you walk through the full height oak glass doors, you enter the heart of this beautiful home. A large open plan space consisting of kitchen, dining & living area.
There is also a seperate utility room, which then leads through to two smaller extensions which were added on toward the end of the build. One is a further utility/laundry area & the other is a ‘dog room’ for the resident pooches to dry off after their long muddy walks.
The open plan dining & living area are great for family living as well as entertaining. Throughout this home, the running theme of large windows & doors means natural light floods through.
This flows through to the patio which is accessed via fully opening bifold doors; the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dining & bringing the outside in.
Back through the house & the other side of the hallway is a snug which again is accessed via oak glass doors, lovingly handmade in our joinery workshop. We also built a custom bookcase for this room along with feature panelled fireplace.
As you head upstairs, the landing optimise light & space. The subtle navy theme runs through from room to room, connecting each space for a seamless flow.
Upstairs consists of four double bedrooms, two with ensuites & a family bathroom.
This has been an incredible project to work on & we are so pleased that our wonderful clients are all settled in & enjoying their new home.
Stay tuned to see more on the next phases of this development with Barn B & C! Do get in touch with our friendly team if you’d like to discuss your project.
