project The Barn, Clayhill

Conversion and extension of a 18th C Threshing Barn to create a substantial family home in East Sussex. The new extension reinstates two structural bays to the southern end that were badly damaged during a fire and subsequently demolished.

To protect the historic oak frame an external exo-skeleton steel frame is erected to support breathable insulation, cladding, tiling, windows & doors. This ‘fabric-first’ approach creates a highly insulated protective ‘wrap’ around the building. Heating and hot water is generated with a ground source heat pump and photovoltaics in an adjacent field.

The historic oak frame will be fully repaired and celebrated within the interiors. Lime plaster over woodwool fibre boards will be used between the oak framing and a specialist polished lime floor, with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.