Located amidst the rolling pasture of the West Country are a set of agricultural hay barns that have fallen into a state of disrepair. Despite their found condition, they have considerable charm in simplicity, materiality and utilitarian character that is particularly beguiling.

Work has started on site to convert these sizeable volumes into a workspace, studio and collaboration suite. The design intention reinforces the buildings connection to the rural context, bringing plant life right up to the perimeter. Enlarged apertures will flood the interior with natural light; ideal conditions in which to draw, stitch and collate items.

The scheme involves the reorientation of the ground floor into a series of spacious open-plan rooms that gently define the steps of the creative process. A sympathetic additional material palette was chosen to elevate the structure without impeding on the existing personality. Insulative straw bale walls will be coated in a breathable lime render, resting atop a painted blockwork upstand. Timber cladding and window frames offset the otherwise textural façade, sheltered by a corrugated roof overhang.

This is the third barn conversion that we’re working on, alongside a new winery in West Sussex and family home in Wiltshire.