This Grade II Listed barn was originally converted for residential use circa 1995, and the interior had become tired over the ensuing years of occupation. Floor finishes were deteriorated, electrics unreliable with subsequent additions of new wiring surface run, while old technology (halogen) lighting had failed or been partially replaced with modern LED lighting leaving a clutter of differing lighting arrangements without a cohesive design or effect.
New Kitchen inserted into refurbished barn
A fresh approach for a historic setting
The new owners wanted a fresh approach, new finishes and a complete renewal of services and lighting. The tired oil-fired boiler was to be replaced with a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), a completely new lighting scheme was required to optimize efficiency and longevity of new lighting technology and a new kitchen was required, to be positioned in the main body of the barn placing the main living function in the heart of the original volume.
The property is set in a mature landscaped garden setting located in open countryside off a country lane, with a small natural pond adjacent. Originally the barn had formed a part of a farmyard, and the courtyard form was still readily legible. A part of the scheme was to re-landscape the courtyard to create a sheltered setting for alfresco dining as well as providing an attractive backdrop to views from the main barn accommodation.
The new design
The original barn had a catslide extension to the South elevation with a run of glazing at ground level. This glazing had been made in clear finished timber which was weathered and warped, resulting in drafts and windows that were stiff and inoperable. New glazing was installed in dark finished aluminium which offered better sight lines, eliminated the draft issue and with sliding opening – a much easier operation.
Floor finishes were lifted and replaced with a resin floor on top of an insulated underfloor heating installation, so doing away with the need for any radiators, at the same time optimising the effectiveness of the GSHP which operates best with a large expanse of UFH as the supply temperature is lower than the output of an oil-fired boiler.
Sitting room with view to kitchen
A daring and elegant solution
James proposed the insertion of a new kitchen which was specified from Bulthaup. The kitchen was sourced from Hobson’s Choice in Winchester. We achieved a clear design contrast to the historic interior and designed the kitchen in a floating style with floor wash lighting below, a daring and elegant solution which stands as a clear modern item in the oak beamed interior. Tall units stand against the wall under the stairs, quietly complementing the rest of the kitchen installation, while a downdraft extractor allows the hob to be positioned on the floating island.
While the kitchen island offers a breakfast bar function the more formal dining location is taken up by a bespoke banquette in the lower space adjacent to the new sliding glazing, swapping with the previous kitchen location and offering a semi-alfresco position, unusual in a barn conversion setting.
Construction work was completed in 2025.
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James Wells Architect is based in Chichester, West Sussex, and serves clients who are seeking high-end residential architects to design and build a new home or modify their existing home.
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