Projects

This project in rural Oxfordshire involves carefully restoring a former stable block incorporating a sensitive new build extension to elevate it into a lovely private home in a traditional farmstead courtyard. The scheme has been designed to support multi-generational living, enabling the current owners to remain on site while the main farmhouse transitions to the next generation.

A carefully considered single-storey extension introduces accessible, future-proofed accommodation, while an ‘upside-down’ arrangement places generous living spaces at first floor to take full advantage of expansive views across the surrounding countryside.

Materially, the design draws on the existing agricultural palette, combining natural and reclaimed materials with a restrained, high-quality finish. A fabric-first approach, paired with low-carbon technologies, ensures the building performs to modern standards while maintaining a strong connection to its historic setting.

The old barn is carefully underpinned to mitigate severe differential settlement under the existing foundations. The roof is to be replaced with a new steel and timber system, with the load paths thoughtfully considered to minimise lateral thrust and concentrated stresses into the existing walls. Screw piles are implemented under the extension area to avoid impact on nearby tree root systems.