In association with
Meeting the
challenge When farmer Nigel Box approached Frame Technologies to convert his barn into a family home, the Herefordshire company was ready to take on the challenge.
F
rame Technologies used an energyefficient timber system to convert a steel-framed agricultural barn and concrete yard into a sensitively integrated residential dwelling. Nestled in an eightacre field for grazing livestock, the stunning new three-bedroom family home is idyllically located in beautiful Herefordshire countryside.
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BUILDING WITH TIMBER / selfbuildanddesign.com
Planning permission for the barn conversion was approved under Permitted Development Part Q. Frame Technologies has created a modern structure that blends into its agricultural setting.
With any barn conversion, there are specific challenges to consider as working around an existing structure can be tricky, especially as they are not originally intended for human habitation. Most farm buildings are not insulated either, so significant work needs to be done to upgrade their thermal performance. On the plus side, these structures can offer unique features, such as double-height internal spaces, beautiful open-plan living, and fantastic rural locations, which make them so aesthetically pleasing. With the Leadon Dale project, farmer Nigel Box used the barn for winter housing of his beef cattle and hay storage. Initially Nigel was concerned because it looked unlikely that he would get planning permission for an on-site residence. However, under Permitted Development Part Q for change of use of an existing agricultural building to a residential dwelling, planning permission was granted. Adopting a fabric-first approach to ensure optimum energy efficiency, Frame Technologies created a unique timber solution to the planning requirements which stipulated that the existing steel framework had to remain in situ and the building could not be enlarged. Using integrated architectural drawings along with Nigel's additional design requests, Frame Technologies has created a structure that blends into its natural surroundings and retains its agricultural heritage, thanks to an innovative timber system and cement timber-effect external cladding. Careful consideration had to be given to the home entrance to take into account the daily farming and agricultural activities. The new timber dwelling incorporates undercover car parking for protected access to the dwelling, as well as a downstairs shower room at the immediate entrance.
