Location: Alfriston, East Sussex
Work carried out: Full survey, complex negotiations with Conservation Officer, special design features and detailed servicing requirements.
Project description:
Located near Alfriston within sight of the Long Man of Wilmington to the East and Firle Beacon with the Cuckmere Valley to the West, the barn was purchased as a redundant agricultural; barn with a corrugated metal roof, but in proximity to a farm house which was a Grade 2 Listed Building.
The brief described a development of quality for a large family home. The Conservation Officer was quite restrictive in what he would allow in terms of new glazed openings and so the design was evolved to maintain the main lines of the building using the Cart Porch as a Conservatory / Dining Area and a way to open up views to the East and lets in as much light as possible. There is 5 bedroom accommodation in the Main Barn and a further 1 bedroom flat in the Byre Annexe. The main living space is full height and features a connecting balcony landing linking the North and South end First Floor spaces which is a substantially steel and glass structure. It was conceived as an inspiring focal point within the house and a contrast in its decisive lines to the gnarled and ancient timbers.
There are Passive Ventilation and Underfloor Heating Systems moderating the internal environment.
Our primary aim was to produce a solution sensitive to the historic nature of the building and landscape and at the same time a modern and exciting family home. The scheme was very much a successful collaboration of the skills of the Clients, Contractor, Engineer and Architects working as a team.
Awards:
Winner
2003 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Small Scale Residential
Shortlisted
2003 Downland Prize