Barn Conversions Archives | KODA Architects

Class Q Barn Conversion

KODA architects working with Tomkins Thomas Planning have successfully secured planning approval for a class Q barn conversion in Herefordshire. The existing barn occupies a unique location near the Black Mountains.

The scheme reuses the original curved form of the Dutch barn roof to form a double height space with mezzanine level. Agricultural materials such as corrugated metal and industrial steel frame have been used in the walls and roof, these are complemented by the insertion of large modern slim profile aluminium windows and doors maximising the exceptional vistas.

Class Q was introduced in 2014 as a form of permitted development designed to help ease the pressure on housing in rural areas. This type of planning permission allows the change of buildings that meet certain criteria from agricultural to residential use. This can often be a creative route to a new home in open countryside which would otherwise be difficult to achieve.

There is more guidance available on Herefordshire Councils website. If you have a redundant agricultural building fulfilling the criteria that you think has the potential to be a striking home in a unique location then please get in touch.

Dutch Barn Conversion in Herefordshire

KODA architects have submitted a new planning application for a Dutch Barn conversion in Herefordshire as part of the wider redevelopment of the farmstead.

At the turn of the 20th Century the Dutch Barns across the country were built from any materials which were readily available, as such they have become part of the farmyard aesthetic. Often built from telegraph poles, their purpose was to provide sheltered accommodation for hay and straw but this use later diversified to sheltering any farm equipment. With their iconic curved roof structures, they are becoming increasingly lost in favour for larger more practical structures, as such, Dutch Barns are becoming increasingly rare in Herefordshire.

The Dutch barn conversion in Herefordshire uses the rhythm of the new steel frame with punctuations within the structure to allow views out over the Herefordshire countryside.

Using the traditional Dutch Barn forms as a key element of the proposal, the design team at KODA architects expressed the barrel vaulted roof in the first floor volume. New powdercoated steel trusses take reference from the traditional Ironmongery seen in traditional Dutch Barns. To the centre of the barn is the main double height atrium with a bespoke steel staircase and feature walls which bring in the exterior cladding to the interior. The double height volume provides a sense of space and an open feel to the traditional barn aesthetic.

The internal space is maximised through a large open plan kitchen and living area with bi-folding doors leading to an external terrace. The new five bedroom dwelling has a flexible layout, ready for a busy family environment. Additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor can be used as reception rooms or bedrooms, depending on the occupants requirements. A boot room is located off the main living accommodation adjacent to a home study, allowing the building to cater for a range of families at any stage.

The exterior takes its form from the existing farm yard materials pallet with timber cladding but with a contemporary zinc cladding referencing the crinkly tin structures on the site. The long reaching interior views over the Herefordshire Countryside contrast against the sharp grey aluminium windows providing a striking intervention sitting within the Dutch Barn structure.

Complimenting the new Dutch barn house, using the same language and materials pallet, a garage and stabling block has been developed which adds the farm yards aesthetic. The Dutch barn conversion adds to KODA architects Barn Conversion Portfolio.

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Contemporary Barn Conversion in Hereford

This project represented a Contemporary barn conversion in Herefordshire with a difference. The existing building was too small to meet the requirements of the client, as a family home. Whilst extensions to Listed agricultural buildings are strongly discouraged in local planning policy, following comprehensive research of historic evidence and detailed site investigations, the extension was justified.

The site investigations revealed that there had previously been an extension supported by a metal truss, fabricated with hot rivets. This investigation and discovery, along with the supporting justification, was enough evidence for the Conservation Officer to agree to its reinstatement.

The historic truss was carefully repaired in-situ and is expressed as a key component in the new elements of the proposal.

The extension incorporates a double height glazed space with a mezzanine accessed via a spiral stair. The existing building was sympathetically repaired with traditional materials whilst the extension was designed to be a contrasting architectural element in terms of design and space. The extension sits along side the existing building comfortably with contemporary detailing delineating it from the host building.

The client undertook the building works themselves and were delighted with the result.

Alex undertook this work whilst working at Hook Mason.

Barn conversion in Herefordshire

This beautiful Barn conversion in Herefordshire, adds to KODA architects portfolio of barn conversions. The former farmstead dates from the late 18^th Century and originally used as a milking parlour for the farms head of cattle. At the height of the farms prosperity, the main farmhouse had a number of ancillary buildings of which included a mill and several larger threshing barns. However, as farmi became more industrialised, the farmhouse was sold into residential usage and late 20th Century the barn was linked to the main house. The barn however, was largely unusable as it was cold, suffering from damp and limiting it to a store area.

Following an appraisal of the existing building, it was quickly found that the main gable wall was leaning outwards and should be rebuilt. To find a solution to the issue KODA architects worked closely with the client in reimagining the barn into a new living space with views over private garden and pond.

This barn conversion in Herefordshire uses traditional green oak framing with a contemporary glazed link between the rebuilt stone wall and the next extension, something that was welcomed by planners. The natural materials pallet allows the extension to sit comfortably within its surroundings and maintains the historic building as the dominant asset. The extension is flooded with natural light and able to be used throughout the year. The large bi folding doors allows integration between the garden and sunroom spaces.

KODA worked closely with contractors who specialise in working at traditional green oak frames and heritage buildings. Wye Oak Timber Framing have good deal of experience within and this barn conversion in Herefordshire, adds to their list of barn conversions completed successfully. The build programme onsite was reduced as the main frame was prefabricated in the contractors workshop. For more information on the oak framing process or to see a frame being made, contact us and we can arrange a viewing at our specialist contractors bespoke workshop.

To view more of KODA architects portfolio of barn conversions, click on here.

Coach House Herefordshire

The Coach House originally formed part of the Burley Gate coaching inn which is Grade II Listed. In recent times the building was being used as machinery storage and without meaningful use it would slowly fall further into disrepair.

Planning and Listed Building consents were granted for the conversion to a two bedroom dwelling with associated works that included a new roof structure. Traditional agricultural buildings suffer from poor natural light internally. The proposal addresses this by inserting new windows and rooflight openings and fully glazed panels to the coaching doors allowing natural light to flood into the building. The conversion utilised many of the existing features including setting segments of coloured glass into the existing diamond hit and miss vents in the brickwork. The installation was carried out by local specialist Ark Stained Glass who are normally accustomed to working on Churches and Cathedrals. The feature creates and array of coloured light throughout the room. Alex worked closely with the client and Contractors throughout the whole process and the project was delivered on time and budget.

The new tenants of The Coach House are delighted with the outcome who intend to stay for many years. The property was marketed by Bespoke Property Management who are a professional letting agent based in Ross-on-Wye. They offer a unique service providing country house rental properties and we can highly recommend their services.

This project was worked on by and completed, by Alex Whibley whilst employed by RRA Architects Ltd.

See more conversions projects here