A carefully considered family home formed within the shell of a derelict threshing barn. When the client purchased the former council farmstead, the red brick barn at the heart of the site was unassuming and partially hidden from view following years of aggregated additions including vast portal sheds for housing cattle having been built directly abutting the building.

The resultant project was therefore as much reductive as additive, carefully removing non-original and detrimental structures to peel back layers of history to reveal the original brick husk and original elm trusses within.

The threshing void functions as the beating heart of the home with key functions pin-wheeling outwards from this space. Particular attention was given to bespoke perforated brickwork to the south aspect of the barn allowing for additional dappled natural light, whilst echoing the original ventilation slots typical of threshing barns. A bespoke helical stair encircles a central hearth, leading to a mezzanine floor inserted within the central void. This inbetween space forms a gallery deck, perfect for gazing out over the beautiful Herefordshire landscape beyond, before linking to the master bedroom suite and children’s bedrooms.

The family homestead is complemented by several original farm buildings including a rudimentary pig shed converted to provide guest accommodation, home office & gym, along with Garaging and workshop spaces. The extensively remodelled landscape setting represents a significant visual and ecological upgrade to the farm as originally found, with tonnes of concrete and asbestos replaced with extensive planting, natural water courses and bird habitats. Investment in sustainable ground source heat pumps also seek to provide some degree of renewable energy for overall carbon footprint reduction in use.

The scheme was shortlisted in three categories of the LABC West of England Building Excellence Awards 2018, and won the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building Award.

Designed & Completed whilst Project Architect at R.R.A.