Many people will be aware of the permitted development rights that came in back in 2013 to allow a change of use for agricultural buildings to residential. We’ve successfully obtained a number of consents under this policy, though usually for traditional stone & cob barns. So it made an interesting change for us to be commissioned to design a scheme for a steel framed ‘Dutch’ barn. The modernity of the structure and form of the building has created the opportunity to create an unusual and exciting contemporary home, full of light and space. A key to any barn conversion is to retain something of the feel of the original structure; in this instance the curved roof of the main section of the building is expressed internally and visible from the double height part of the principle living space which extends to form the central vertical and horizontal circulation. An open plan living / dining space opens onto a large family kitchen on the ground floor. Beyond this is a snug, playroom and gym along with two ensuite bedrooms on the south side. There is a double garage, workshop and utility on the north side. On the first floor is the master bedroom suite, complete with covered roof terrace and two further bedrooms. So lots of space and a family friendly layout!