The location of this converted barn lies on the edge of Corpusty in a relatively isolated spot detached from any surrounding buildings. A former milling barn, it was originally constructed in 1837 by Samuel Goldsmith and has remained in the family ever since. Passed down through the generations and used as a working barn until the recent conversion was completed in May 2018 to become the new farm house for the local landowner and farmer. The client’s requirement for the design was to make best use of the barn’s open interior and views to the North while highlighting the barns original features. Upon entry you are greeted by a large vaulted space flooded with light from the glazed opening and ridge light, framed by an original arch. As you move into the atrium, the contrast of the lime render against the original features of the barn keeps a clean, modern aesthetic. It is only when you approach the exposed elements that you can appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of certain original details. For example, within the kitchen, a section of exposed brickwork shows a piece of the barn wall that was rebuilt during the 1800’s. Basic, self-build construction techniques of the period meant that any easily sourced material was utilised. Hence the inclusion of the large, light blocks seen in the photograph that are pieces of an old mill stone that must have been surplus to requirements at the time and therefore broken up and used to reconstruct the wall. Some other features include tastefully exposed cast iron gallows brackets, while downstairs the brick niches augment the entrance arch which also contains a brick that was found with the date of construction and brickmaker’s initials The modern aspects that were introduced to the barn are materially similar to the original, however, the minimal design keeps the eras distinguishable. The central circulation space is guided by a handmade staircase that wraps up to a walkway that connects the upstairs areas where curved walls add another unique dimension. Elsewhere, a small extension to the side of the property contains the dining room with glazed gable that looks over the fields. With an office and carport to the north east corner of the property which takes inspiration from a traditional carport. The addition of modern solutions to reduce energy consumption such as a ground source heat pump, suitably future-proof the building for many years to come.All due credit must go towards the clients for their foresight and attention to detail during the build phase to create a space where modern aesthetics and technologies work in harmony with the rugged practicalities of the old Norfolk barn.