The Old Barn

Extension near Harrogate

The owners of the Barn enjoyed its vernacular style but required more space for their growing family. Their brief was to retain the existing character and status of the barn and complement it with a contrasting extension rather than a pastiche that would not be able to engage with the setting of the house and garden. The new extension retains views from kitchen and sitting room, forms external and internal spaces to maximise both accommodation and the connection between the house and garden with its softer curved volume.

The new form reflects a new twist of the granary turning houses/grain silos that were a traditional form in the open countryside with detailing that reflects this heritage. Angled windows at first floor level allow views across the open countryside that are not obtainable in the current dwelling due to the high window cills and a sheltered courtyard is created with views from the sitting room framed by the cantilevered bedroom over. This project shows a valid way of not having to conform to the vernacular but still producing something of value and something well considered.

All materials inside and out are finished off to the highest possible standard and transforms what could have been an ordinary extension into something beautiful.

The form of the extension is a beautiful quarter circle with a simple monopitch roof that creates an innovative and dynamic intervention against the simple traditional form of the old barn.  The co-ordinating palette of colours and materials on the windows, roof, and hard landscaping add to the delight as you turn the corner in the garden to see the new extension.

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