Despite the fact that planning rules favour the conversion of existing buildings, including farm buildings such as barns, it seems remarkable that there are still very many buildings that can be converted to residential occupation that remain derelict. Generally planning approval can be obtained as long as the buildings are structurally sound, are of a suitable size and are sustainable in terms of access and can be connected to mains services.
Origin Design Studio are currently working on the conversion of a barn in a sensitive location to provide high class hotel accommodation. To assist the planners to give a positive response to the planning application, 3D modelling has been used to demonstrate the changes that are to be made to the existing buildings and that these changes give a new lease of life to buildings that would otherwise remain derelict. Converting an existing derelict building is akin to recycling and is of huge benefit to all concerned. This is especially true when the resulting building has a low carbon footprint with regard to energy consumption. This project in North Lincolnshire is one of several hundreds of barn conversions on which the directors have been consulted over the years.
In the words of Peter Cole “You will always know when a barn is going to to be easy to convert. You can tell immediately the quality of the original building and whether the structure has undergone any serious movement. One can always underpin the foundations of a barn but that adds to the expense of conversion. It is frequently possible to use a new floor slab to provide additional support to the external walls of a barn. The key to conversion is ensuring that you use as much of the space as possible and that may well involve building up inside the roof and removing the eaves ties. It is very rare that the eaves of a barn have not been pushed out of line by the roof structure.”
All barn conversions must comply with building regulations and these regulations can be onerous particularly with regard to energy consumption. Existing farm buildings are likely to be constructed with solid walls and concrete or brick ground floors. These need to be well insulated to achieve current standards, and these standards are due to become even more onerous. Materials are available to uprate floor and wall insulation, and as most heat is losts through roofing, it is frequently necessary to form a new roof.
Origin Design Studio and PCC Construction Services will work in partnership and can provide full advice to those wishing to convert existing buildings. This advice will cover all aspects including architecture, structural and drainage design, planning advice and detailed recommendations on heating and insulation. Our designs are exciting and individualistic and we can advise on construction costs, provide a list of recommended tendering contractors or even manage the construction through to completion with our own teams of high quality qualified tradesmen.
