Low House - (Grade II)

This project involved the re-conversion of a previously converted barn to make better use of the open spaces and character of a beautiful historic building. Many barn conversions in the 1980s concentrated on creating multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, often resulting in a dark and warren-like feel to the interior. Today a new generation looks to return many of these buildings to a far more sympathetic interpretation of the barn as family living space. In this case the removal of internal partitions and the opening up of the space meant that the iconic tall vaulted spaces could be properly enjoyed and appreciated.

A dramatic glass and steel staircase installed at the heart of the building enhances the sense of space. The soft red Norfolk brickwork is exposed in the main central area and this sense of revealing the richness of the original walls continues throughout. The master bedroom ensuite boasts a glazed shower with the brick walls as a main feature.

A new first floor full height living room was made possible by opening this part of the barn to the rafters and all the previously dark stained beams were stripped back to their original colour. High levels of thermal insulation to the roof and much of the existing walls made this a sustainably viable solution. All windows were upgraded to double glazed specification and an air source heat recovery system provides cost effective heating to the whole building.

Property Name

Low House

Location

South Norfolk

Planning District

South Norfolk District Council

Year

2011

Status

Grade II, Completed, Award-winning

Awards

Shortlisted for the RICS Award Winner of NAA Craftsmanship Award Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Norfolk Award

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