Barn Conversion, Radwinter, Essex

Project: Barn Conversion, Radwinter

Architect: Acorus

Contractor: Charles Clarke and Son

Project Outline:

This project involves the conversion of a very substantial 450 square metre barn into a single modern dwelling. The oldest section of the barn dates back to the medieval period, with many of the original timbers still in place - all be it in a very fragile state. The barn was on the verge of collapse at the inception of the project and emergency stabilisation works were devised and put in to place, prior to the erection of a structural scaffold. Once the barn was stabilised design and construction works for the conversion could begin.

An internal two storey green Oak frame structure has been designed to support the existing roof and new first floor and also to provide lateral stability to the existing fragile timber frame. Existing timbers have been retained and strengthened where possible. The combination of clay soils and surrounding trees gave rise to substructure issues and ground floors have been replaced with suspended beam and block floors and existing foundations underpinned and heave protected where necessary.

Superstructures have undertaken all aspects of the structural design and detailing of this complex project from initial site inspections and advice, stabilisation works, the design of underpinning works and the new Oak frame. Now complete it is a truly stunning property.