Villa Farm Barns

A contemporary conversion of a series of disused and dilapidated barns in the Suffolk countryside.

Having collaborated with the client on many building projects as both client and contractor, we were delighted to be commissioned to work with them on their family home. The client’s brief was to maintain the character of the cluster of barn buildings while transforming them into a modern home suitable for family life. Focus was placed on optimising accommodation for the views of the land around and creating a contemporary home with robust environmental standards. The barns are not listed themselves but originally formed part of the Villa Hall estate, are therefore within the setting of this Grade II listed building. Care was taken to respect the historic setting, while also making the most of the exciting opportunities to transform the former stables into an imaginative home.

Utilising Class Q of the General Permitted Development order, the barns were approved for change of use from agricultural to domestic use. The main design intervention was to create an enclosed central courtyard, linking the barn buildings together with a new glazed single storey link and curving brick garden wall built from reclaimed bricks. On approach, the new wall creates a flow toward the front door which is distinctive from the historic barns. Inside the courtyard, the enclosure provides shelter from vehicles entering site while capturing southern sunlight throughout the year.

The materials chosen for the new work, refurbishment and internally are of a rustic palette. They stay true to the barns’ origins with much of the existing timber framing and brickwork left exposed. This is juxtaposed by modern interventions and finishes including picture frame windows, polished concrete floors and metal cladding. Large triple glazed windows work within the existing openings to bring natural light in and allow for wonderful views out.

Contractor: SJW Developments

Structural Engineer: Brett Design Partnership

Photographs by Alex Parnell