This roll top steel barn was once the cattle dairy on the Guiness estate , set with-in the orchard and the family arboretum the position is near perfect , creating containment but allowing maximum natural light helping to create this perfect end of day sanctuary.

Class Q was used to enable this conversion to take place , as with all class Q developments the parameters you have to work with in are very strict and it takes a delicate and experienced hand to not only obtain class Q approval but then to design and build to the sites maximum potential.

The often large minimal spaces that come hand in hand with these conversions offer huge amounts of creativity, we here at natural structures relish all the options open to us when designing these projects, often keeping existing materials and using them to create continuity through out the project.

Less is more……..

In this particular project the main material was steel and concrete , we added oak and used these three main material choices throughout the build.

With a polished concrete floor covering the entire ground floor area of 300m2 , the steel columns creating the structural element and then the Oak joists and oak floor boarding giving the softness next to these hard materials creates a modern rustic feel, perfect for this style of building. With UFH on both the ground floor and 1st floor the barn feels naturally warm , everywhere. The sheer amount of insulation built into every aspect of the project helps the UFH create a very even and ambient temperature.

The ground floor is mainly open plan with a separate study , utility room , movie\gym room , wc, cloak room , the main open area include a large vaulted reception area , kitchen , snug and tv lounge area.

The first floor consists of 4 bedrooms all with ensuite and their own walk in wardrobes these are connected by a vaulted landing leading to either end of the barn when the bedrooms are located. 

The Danish designed kitchen is  hand made in book-matched oak , using both oak and stainless steel worktops , hidden ovens, coffee machines and the all important larder. The same hand made oak cabinets are used with in each ensuite creating that all important continuity.

The curved tin roof was a very technical problem in its self , needing several layers to create the maximum insulation, the shape and purchase for the painted curved ceiling. Windows and doors all manufactured by Origin with a 10 year warranty , the exterior and interior brickwork we the existing bricks cleaned and relayed whilst the front and south side elevation have hit and miss oak on the exterior as cladding.

Bi-fold doors creating large apertures , large open plan spaces with expanses of glass creating maximum natural light but using minimum materials all create this beautiful black nordic barn , set in 2.5 acres with its own orchard and wood , it really does form that essential end of day escape.

Please call the office to discuss any of the details or images that may have caught your eye, we look forward to hearing from you.