Set within the South Cambridgeshire countryside, this ambitious restoration and conversion project has transformed a derelict curtilage-listed barn into a vibrant community events space - filling a long-standing need in the village.

 

The barn was only one of two buildings in the original farmyard that survived demolition in 1971 and since then, it has suffered decades of neglect. Like the other barns in the farmyard, it had a timber structure and a thatched roof.  Clearly, neglect or a fire destroyed the roof structure and thatch which had led to its utilitarian metal replacement structure and a corrugated asbestos covering at a slacker pitch. The lower section of the original timber frame precariously balanced on a tumbling brick plinth.

 

Our approach focused on repairing and reinstating the barn’s traditional aisled timber frame while sensitively introducing contemporary interventions. Rather than opt for a modern portal steel frame at the lower pitch, we designed a slender, elegant, steel structure – emulating the original aisled form of the barn. A lightweight, aluminium standing seam roof covering was selected as the most appropriate, semi-agricultural, yet contemporary material to use.  It was set at a steeper pitch close to the original thatched roof to restore some of the barns original proportions. A continuous ribbon of glazing now encircles the barn under the roof allowing the new roof to appear as if it ‘floats’ above the restored timber frame walls - honouring the building's historic character while introducing a striking modern aesthetic.

 

Sustainability was integral to the project - the barn has photovoltaic panels stuck to the metal roofing system, rooflights to increase the levels of natural light, and an air-source heat pump to provide efficient underfloor heating and hot water.

 

Preserving the original fabric of the barn was paramount. The timber frame was carefully taken apart, coding every piece, treating and repairing with new oak as appropriate on reassembly. The old brick plinth was painstakingly dismantled - each brick meticulously cleaned and reinstated internally under the original frames. Beyond the barn itself, the original horse pond - once used for soaking cart wheels - was restored as a key landscape feature, enhancing the setting and maintaining its agricultural heritage.