Hare Barn

Transforming Redundant Agricultural Buildings Into a Bespoke Family Home

This contemporary barn conversion demonstrates how creative architectural thinking can unlock unexpected opportunities, transforming redundant agricultural buildings into a unique family home.

The clients originally approached Allan Joyce Architects with the intention of extending their existing house. However, through the feasibility process, we identified the potential to create a far more ambitious solution: converting the existing threshing barn and long barn into a new home, while allowing the original property to be sold.

This alternative approach created a home with greater character, stronger connections to its surroundings and a design that responded to the unique qualities of the existing buildings.

Finding Potential in Existing Buildings

The project involved the careful conversion of two agricultural buildings positioned perpendicular to one another. The long barn provided a simple brick structure, while the threshing barn contained more distinctive historic features, including large openings, brick piers and original king post roof trusses.

The challenge was to retain the character and craftsmanship of these existing structures while creating a comfortable, energy-efficient modern home.

Respecting Heritage While Creating Contemporary Living Spaces

The threshing barn forms the heart of the home, with the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space positioned within the dramatic volume of the original building.

The existing brickwork was carefully retained, with insulation introduced between the brick piers to improve performance while allowing the original fabric of the building to remain visible. The existing timber king post trusses were restored and retained as a defining feature throughout the space.

A first-floor bridge connects the bedroom accommodation while preserving views through the original barn openings. This allows full-height glazing to frame the surrounding landscape and creates a strong connection between the historic structure and contemporary living.

A Bespoke Family Home

The completed home provides five generous double bedrooms, four with en-suite bathrooms, creating a practical and flexible family environment within a building full of character.

The finished design balances the warmth and authenticity of the original barns with the comfort, light and functionality expected from a modern home.

The project was a great success for both the clients and the design team, creating a home that has been admired by visitors and leading to further commissions from the same family.

Our Role

Allan Joyce Architects specialise in transforming challenging and unusual sites into bespoke homes. Through careful feasibility studies, creative problem solving and sensitive design, we help private clients discover opportunities they may not have previously considered.