Improve Magazine Spring 2023

Stunning Grade II listed barn conversion and extension

This Grade II listed barn in North Yorkshire has undergone an incredible transformation using Schüco aluminium systems to extend and modernise the property while paying homage to its agricultural heritage.

Photo credit: Jim Varney

Along with converting the existing red brick barn, the homeowners wanted to substantially increase the footprint of the property, flood their future home with natural light and make the most of the stunning views out over the North Yorkshire Dales.

Taking inspiration from agricultural architecture, architects Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard designed the extension to give the impression of small buildings and sheds often found dotted around farmland. The design incorporated large areas of aluminium-framed glazing throughout the home, with Schüco doors and windows chosen to deliver the architect’s vision.

A major challenge was constructing a very large sliding door system, creating a transparent link between the original

barn and new extension, which was designed to slide open through a structural opening in the kitchen-diner area. The mammoth system combined two Schüco sliding doors to achieve an overall size of 9.5m x 2.7m.

Director of Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard, Mark Bramhall, explained why the practice like to use Schüco products, commenting that Schüco offers “what we find to be the best engineered solutions on the market and its systems can handle big panels, like the ones needed for this project.”

The architect commissioned experienced Schüco fabricator Gresson to manufacture and install the feature door. Gresson Director, James Johnson, added: “Schüco systems enable us to create really large doors that would be difficult to realise with other system suppliers.

Photo credit: Jim Varney

“We use Schüco because of the quality of its products. Not only is the client getting a good outcome, but it means we don’t have any problems down the line.”

One of the homeowners is a keen triathlete and had an elongated training pool installed at the back of the home. The feature sliding door has a flush threshold to create a seamless connection to the garden, incorporating the pool into an indooroutdoor space when there is good weather.

A top priority for the homeowners was building a bright, light-filled home. Not only was this achieved in the kitchen-diner, but also in the added leisure area where three sets of Schüco side hung doors look out over the pool and fill the space with natural light.

Schüco aluminium windows feature throughout the home offering views of the picturesque countryside surroundings. Doors and windows from the Schüco HI (Highly Insulated) range were chosen to ensure the home remains warm, comfortable and energy efficient, ideal for the North Yorkshire climate.

The large expanses of glazing throughout the property give the barn a modern feel, filling the building with light. The glazing also lends the extension a lightweight appearance, ensuring it is a contemporary but respectful addition to the listed property. And it is all tied together by the large sliding doors providing a tasteful transition between the old and new.

Photo credit: Jim Varney