Private House

North Yorkshire

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The project involved the conversion and extension to a C19 barn listed through association with an adjoining dwelling. The barn had seen successive changes over time, and this proposal was a continuation of earlier approved schemes, which aimed to restore the original elements of the building through removal of later additions. The site also fell within a local Conservation Area.

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In an attempt to replicate the agricultural and historic background of the building, we partially replaced the existing steel portal frame, which until recently wrapped the barn. By creating an extension to the Northern face of the building it is possible to keep internal alterations to a minimum. The extension is designed to appear as a subservient utility wing to the main building. The use of standing seam zinc and timber cladding over simple forms act as contrasting modern materials, reinforcing the fact that this building has a service role. The form of the building is derived from the agricultural sheds that once occupied the site with simple volumes under a low roof pitch. The use of large areas of lightweight aluminium-framed glazing reduce the mass of the extension giving it a lightweight appearance in contrast to the heavy brick and pantile of the original barn.

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The overall visual impression is of a group of buildings, which would be typical of agricultural complexes throughout the region.  The result is a striking new house widely admired across the county.

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