Field House

Dramatic barn conversion using Class Q (permitted development rights). | Bruton

Contract Type: Traditional
Size: 250m²
Cost: £Not disclosed
Client: Private
Status: Complete
Completed: January, 2019

Residential Barn conversion utilising Class Q (permitted development) rights on a south facing slope near Bruton in Somerset. The rolling landscape is typical of the East Mendip Hills with low ridges divided by deep valleys. The design celebrates the utilitarian barn aesthetic with a simple palette of materials including traditional timber boarding, profile sheet roofing and galvanised metal rainwater goods.

The management of natural light was particularly important to the project. Movement through the building creates a journey from darkness into light with key views framed like pictures around the building. The house incorporates open plan living space, studio and garage on the ground, together with four bedrooms and family bathroom on the first floor. The layout is purposely simple with rooms located to make use of natural lighting or significant views.

The landscaping around the building is an integral part of the design, but is minimal in scope to emphasise the beauty of the natural landscape.

The building has been designed to near zero-carbon standards incorporating high levels of insulation, low levels of air-permeability, and an integrated MVHR system.