| Conversions | | Print | |
Conversion of old buildings is far more difficult than it used to be even only a couple of years ago. Planning rules now make many derelict barns unsuitable for approval. New Building Regulations make it more difficult and expensive to re-use old buildings. That said with proper professional advice and some imagination, old barns and chapels produce some of the most unique new homes to be found. Barn Conversion, DraycottAbsolutely stunning ! The barns were in two wings, a long low arm attached to a shorter two storey main block. We left the brickwork and king post roof trusses exposed in the huge single storey family room, which turns the corner into a double height lounge with a bridge link overhead to access the fourth bedroom. Externally little changed, we re-used the existing openings wherever possible, though we did persuade the planners to allow us to open up a 4m high cart opening that had previously been bricked up. Project value approx £300k  Chapel Conversion, DenbyJust started on site by a young couple of self builders. This design was fully modelled in 3D and featured on TV’s “Homes Under the Hammer” A beautiful soaring single volume building, partly filled with a new mezzanine, we maintained the full height 3D space to a dining hall just inside the front door. With an open galleried living room looking across the internal void to a curved 7m high wall and a new rear sunken garden this will be a superb home upon completion.  Chapel Conversion, HognastonHardly any different on the roadside, again preserving the full two storey high internal space. This conversion required some rear extensions to provide bathrooms and a rear lounge, but also to create a first floor corrider to by pass the central void and gain access across to the fourth bedroom.  Stables Conversion, FindernAn L-shaped range of stables, we converted this to a games room and gym including toilets and shower room, but using a circular entrance lobby at the junction of the two wings. A unique feature that allowed us to omit corridors, so making the design both beautiful and space efficient. Project value approx £70k at 2000 prices  Garage Conversion, BreastonThis concrete block garage had a flat roof made of corrugated cement sheets. It’s still there at the heart of this conversion ! We surrounded it in brick additions and a blue clay tiled roof, then we linked it to the main house with a fully glazed corridor. Visually separate but functionally connected. Quite old now bit still one of our proudest achievements - we still can’t believe that the planners initially refused permission for this ! Stables Conversion Ironville Covered in the commercial section this stables block in the grounds of a listed building has planning permission for conversion to offices. Yet to start on site, check back in a few weeks for progress. |