Our Senior Architect David Symons looks at the design opportunities that barn conversions present and makes a case for why living with a barn conversion can be so appealing.
My planning colleagues have done a great job of setting out the policy opportunities for converting existing barns into homes in the UK, either using Class Q permitted development rights or other local policy when considering more traditional barn buildings. As an architect I am focused on the practical realities of converting this type of building and understanding the design opportunities that these buildings offer to deliver beautiful spaces for our clients.
Last month we talked about the technical challenges of converting existing barns in the UK, in the context of Building Regulations standards and the many other quirks of working with existing structures. This month I want to focus on the design opportunities these buildings present and make a case for why living with a barn conversion can be so appealing. Other than unlocking new opportunities for housing in the countryside with less risk than ‘green-field’ sites – the idea of living in former agricultural buildings has a particular charm that I think is quite special to the UK and its long agricultural history.
The appeal of barn conversions
Barns are a staple sight within the British countryside. Whether isolated and modest stone field barns, standing as lone sentinels in often bleak and semi-wild landscapes or contemporary utilitarian steel sheds grouped around productive working farmland they always evoke the feeling of a deep connection to the countryside and landscape that can’t be found in suburban or urban neighbourhoods. Britain has always had a love affair with the countryside and rural life, but post-pandemic even more people are seeing the appeal of space and land leading to growing demand for countryside homes. Barn buildings offer huge architectural potential for providing sustainable homes in the countryside with opportunities for contemporary open plan living, dramatic high ceilings, exposed structural elements and large openings.
Understanding barn architecture and character
Traditional barns come in a range of sizes, shapes and materials. Each region of the UK has its own iconic barn typology. Whether it is the low lying and horizontally emphasised stone ‘long-barns’ of Devon or the steeply pitched timber and red tile roofed barns of Kent and the southeast or the stout and simple stone barns of Derbyshire and the Peak District – they all have their own distinct qualities related to their original function that when converting offer unique opportunities for internal spaces.
Common architectural features of traditional barns are large and open spaces, narrow gable widths, steeply pitched roofs and exposed internal beams or trusses. Typical single storey barns in this style offer opportunities to play with ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ – introducing flat ceilings can create an intimate and cozy atmosphere that can be comfortable in bedrooms or snugs (with the added benefit of creating loft storage above). Retaining open vaulted ceilings in larger open plan living spaces can create a sense of height and drama. Some traditional barns such as taller threshing barns or barns with pigeon lofts have the potential for creating two storey homes with a similar internal atmosphere.
Traditional barns come with the benefit of a wealth of natural and historic materials such as stone and timber, that if exposed can create a beautiful back drop for contemporary living. Reinforcing these in-built characters whilst bringing buildings up to modern standards of comfort creates a fantastic opportunity for a beautiful home.
Steel portal frame barns are an entirely different building to work with. Built on a totally different scale with vast and tall internal spaces – they often lack the character and materiality of traditional barns, however they can be seen as blank canvases for creating homes on an epic scale. These barns are typically constructed using large steel columns and pitched roof beams forming ‘portals’ and arranged at standard depths or ‘bays’. These barns are sometimes entirely clad with profile metal sheeting, timber or fibre cement or they often have partial concrete block work walls to the lower half. These barns offer the opportunity to create distinct, modern homes with a more simplistic and utilitarian external appearance. These barns often have the potential for creating large two storey homes with large areas of double height glazing to create dramatic internal spaces and open out views to the countryside.
Internally, the portal frame construction of steel barns can allow for large open-plan spaces and almost any internal finish from smooth plaster to painted block work or exposed and textured concrete. The success of some of the best contemporary barn conversions can come from leaning into their industrial character making exposed beams and columns the star of the show.
Designing in the landscape
The most appealing benefit of a barn conversion for me is the idea of living in a stunning rural location. It makes so much sense to capitalise on a connection with the landscape and nature in any barn conversion design. This could include using large openings, either new or using existing former door openings to frame views of the surrounding countryside. Barn conversions offer a great opportunity to integrate indoor-outdoor living with covered or open terraces, sheltered courtyards and landscaped gardens. Some of the best examples I have seen use existing structures to create architectural pergolas or punched balconies that create unique external, but protected spaces. This kind of effect can extend to traditional barns with the existing building offering shelter from the wind and elements allowing for more year-round enjoyment of the outdoors.
Harnessing daylight
As with the design of any home, maximising daylight in internal spaces is key to creating comfortable and beautiful spaces. Large, glazed openings replacing former barn doors can flood internal spaces with light – with care to provide fixed external shading or roof overhangs to avoid overheating – this can create warm and welcoming interiors. Introducing skylights or clerestory windows can bring in soft overhead light, which if from the north can provide even and balanced working light for a home office or kitchen. Open plan layouts and high ceilings can allow light to flow from one space to another, whilst internal finishes can reflect or absorb natural light to create a range of atmospheres.
Harnessing day light in your barn conversion
The end result – a unique rural home with effortless character
Balancing the old and new within a barn conversion, whilst harnessing the wealth of existing benefits that come from designing in a countryside location can create the ultimate rural home tailored to modern living. The UK landscape is filled with beautiful buildings, at the end of their useful farming life, that could become beautiful homes. We have years of experience in helping clients realise their vision of converting barns into unique homes. We are seeing more and more families looking for this kind of opportunity to live with in the countryside and we would encourage anyone either already living on a farm with surplus barns or looking for a site of their own to get in touch to talk about how we can help unlock the potential of these beautiful and understated buildings.
At PDP we specialise in navigating the complex planning and technical requirements for barn conversions. Our expertise ensures that your project meets all regulatory standards while taking the detail of Class Q legislation into account. If you need guidance on converting your barn, contact us today at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk. We’re here to help turn your vision into reality.
David Symons, Senior Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd
