Redhill Barn

Project Info

An open and flexible house has been created within a large, roofless and ruined stone barn. Timber has been used for all the new elements, which contrasts with the stone walls and distinguishes old from new. The original timber first floor and roof have been reinstated with a contemporary Douglas fir structure, designed to evoke the simplicity of traditional agricultural framing. A highly efficient truss spans the building lengthways, utilising small section timber and steel connections. This allows the structure to sit higher than a conventional truss and stresses the height, form and scale of the space. Floating timber ‘boxes’ have been placed across the two levels which define and serve the principal rooms yet keep the barn open and undivided. Oak pivot doors allow the wide arched openings, originally made for cattle, to remain unobstructed and easily handled. Different timber species have been used throughout. The structural Douglas fir is light and stiff, the sycamore ‘boxes’ are pale to reflect light, the door and window oak is durable, and the dark stained ply used for storage and partition doors is hardwearing and economic.

Watch judging tour on YouTube.