The challenge…
Purchased with an existing approval and a short timescale before planning expired, our client wanted to entirely redesign to achieve a more contemporary and minimal design to suit their lifestyle. They also wanted to be as energy efficient / off-grid as was practical and include additional space for a control room for renewable energy system controls, storage and a utility, none of which were accommodated in the original permission.
Our approach…
We focussed on discharging the conditions, redesigned in parallel, with the goal of making a material start to secure the planning approval before it lapsed. The key would be to retain the character of the open fronted barn whilst making it a contemporary design, minimalist detailing, wheelchair accessible and achieve an A rating for energy efficiency, also approval for an additional link building which could house the extra utility room and wet room.
Our solution…
An A Energy Rating was given. The house was designed to incorporate underfloor heating, a ground source heat pump, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, solar photovoltaic panels and a rainwater harvesting system. A bat loft was integrated into the areas with flat ceilings but a vaulted ceiling on open trusses with large sliding glass walls in the living areas meant the open character of the barn was retained and extensive views out were achieved.