We are very pleased with the finished results. The Farm and the Barn presented a number of challenges due to the building’s listed status and subsequent protracted negotiations with the local planning authority. Listed status restricted our options for conversion, but Designscape’s strategic approach was invaluable in clarifying our options. This included prioritising a green heating system which now serves not only the barn but also the rest of the farm. When the listed building officer brokered advice that the Barn could potentially fall into disrepair and become the responsibility of the local authority, this led to a practical agreement about a sympathetic design and flexible arrangement to proceed with planning.
The capacity of the architect, engineers and the builder to solve unexpected problems throughout the build process was also an important factor in the success of this project. This included the various challenges of stabilising the walls, the construction of the roof, the provision of new steel and the method of construction using internal scaffolding, and also the procurement and fitting of the entrance glazing to achieve very neat fixings etc.
The building has been brought back into use again and now also fulfils a role in the local community. The renovation has been very well received by neighbours including the church congregation who gather annually in it for Harvest Festival auction, Christmas and other events throughout the year. Even the construction process pragmatically involved the farming neighbour's labour and machinery to very good effect. The flexible use of the barn also includes family gatherings and an occasional wedding reception.
It is a wonderful space and Designscape have managed not only to provide flexible accommodation within but also to preserve the original character and qualities of a barn

The Client