Set within a medieval village in the British countryside, the house was once owned by a Victorian farmer designed to overlook the farm and complex of barns.

No longer a working farm, the house remained a family home however the associated barns have since fallen into a state of disrepair leaving one of the barns to be considered a Building at Risk (BAR). That said the Grade II listed estate steeped in historic character was not lost, and became the driving force in the sensitive restoration and additions proposed by AR Design Studio.

The property consists of four disconnected elements: The house, two barns and the central courtyard. The brief for AR design was to unify, modernise and restore these elements to create a beautiful family home. The proposed design continues the dwelling’s well established custom of extending and remodelling, whilst retaining the prominence of the dwelling as the dominant farmhouse.

To carry out this ambitious brief, AR Design Studio proposed to remove past ad-hoc additions to the house, making good the existing clay tiled roof and flint work.

The original house is proposed to remain as the focal component of the property. AR Design Studio designed a complete remodelling of the internal spaces whilst celebrating and repairing the original shell. The proposal involves opening the design with double height spaces, whilst creating openings to fill the communal areas with natural light.

New extensions flank the existing dwelling and form a courtyard, mimicking the formation of the barns. These were thoughtfully designed to be similar in appearance to the converted barns but with a contemporary approach. Flint elements bookend the new spaces with a pitched roof resting on top. In place of a clay tiled roof, AR Design Studio proposed a simple standing-seam Corten roof as a clear distinction from the flint and red brick existing fabric. The proposed roofing is a reference to the burnt orange of the existing clay tiles and notions of decay and ageing in relation to the heritage of the existing dwelling. The result is a complimentary transition between the new and the old.

The proposed extensions provide a welcoming and spacious open-plan kitchen/dining space, leading into the light and roomy lounge which benefits from full height glazed doors that open out onto the layered courtyard setting.

To connect the different elements of the property, transparent glass links are proposed. These lightweight connections allow for practical circulation whilst retaining a visually distinct separation. The light touch approach of glass links reduces the physical impact upon the existing structures.

The larger of the dilapidated barns has been transformed to become home to the open-plan living/entertainment space, including a gym, games room, bar and lounge whilst making good the existing timber rafters and clay tiles. The smaller Grade II listed barn will be renovated to become a 14 person meeting and dining space. Existing openings have been retained, the large barn doors have been replaced with glazing to allow light into the barn and views out over the central courtyard in one direction, and pool and countryside in the other.

Central to the scheme is the new courtyard. Perfectly suited for warm days hosting family and friends. The open space provides a number of tiered platforms creating a variety of spaces for different uses, whilst also acting as the artery for circulation around the property. With the rustling central olive tree and proposed landscaping, the secluded courtyard provides a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The proposed design for the main house and the associated barns has completely transformed the existing property and the existing barn’s dilapidated condition to become a family home, bursting with contemporary style juxtaposed against delightful period character; invigorating the home with light and space.

—

Scheme: Extension & Refurbishment

Location: Undisclosed

Visuals: The Faction, https://thefactioncgi.com/

The Barns