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Houzz Tour: An Ancient Barn Packed with Eco Features and Technology
Hi-tech kit and green additions bring a rustic retreat in Somerset into the 21st century
Jo Simmons
9 August 2014
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Thyme Barn, in a village outside Bath in Somerset, has been through some changes. Originally an agricultural building, used as a hay store for a local farm, it was converted in the 1980s for residential use. ‘As with a lot of conversions done then, it went horribly wrong,’ says Sam Thornell of Hart Design And Construction. He was brought in to modernise the space and put right the mistakes of that earlier build. ‘A lot of the big openings had been blocked up,’ Sam explains, ‘so the windows were tiny and the upstairs was very low, with some of the roof trusses coming into the rooms, so you had to step over or duck under them.’
After an architect drew up plans, Sam and his team got to work, digging down half a metre to maximise space and light on both floors and installing a gallery-style floor that is almost independent of the building, floating on steel supports. ‘It’s like a small frame slotted into the building,’ says Sam. ‘It takes the weight of the first floor and distributes it on the ground.’
The barn has many eco features, including solar panels for generating electricity and a ground source heat pump for heating. Inside, meanwhile, there is masses of smart technology, from electric Velux windows and blinds to a sound system and even a live video feed of an owl roosting box, attached to one of the outside walls. This is modern living, but within a building with real history and character. ‘Back in the 1980s, people just didn’t see the potential of this kind of space,’ says Sam, ‘but it’s looking great now!’
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A professional couple
Location A village outside Bath, Somerset
Designer Hart Design And Construction
Size 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
After an architect drew up plans, Sam and his team got to work, digging down half a metre to maximise space and light on both floors and installing a gallery-style floor that is almost independent of the building, floating on steel supports. ‘It’s like a small frame slotted into the building,’ says Sam. ‘It takes the weight of the first floor and distributes it on the ground.’
The barn has many eco features, including solar panels for generating electricity and a ground source heat pump for heating. Inside, meanwhile, there is masses of smart technology, from electric Velux windows and blinds to a sound system and even a live video feed of an owl roosting box, attached to one of the outside walls. This is modern living, but within a building with real history and character. ‘Back in the 1980s, people just didn’t see the potential of this kind of space,’ says Sam, ‘but it’s looking great now!’
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A professional couple
Location A village outside Bath, Somerset
Designer Hart Design And Construction
Size 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The staircase up to the gallery seems to float and is just one of the smart contemporary ingredients of this converted barn. The oak treads are flanked by a toughened glass balustrade and a wax-oiled rusted handrail. A purple Aga is teamed with a plum splashback. ‘It’s made from coloured acrylic and has a nice shine to it,’ says Sam.
The gallery is a clever modern addition to the barn. ‘There are steel beams that run across from wall to wall at the far ends of the property, and the gallery is supported by one of these beams and two steel columns,’ explains Sam. ‘This allowed us to leave a small gap either side of the gallery to let the sunshine coming through the skylights filter down to the ground floor.’
In the kitchen, the exposed steel frame of the gallery above is painted grey to make it a feature. This section of the ceiling contains a hidden extractor fan. ‘We also installed a system to filter and soften the water, which is really hard in this area and can ruin appliances,’ says Sam.
This cosy hang-out space on the gallery is sunny and airy, thanks to a large skylight. ‘The windows are controlled remotely, so you can open them while sitting here and get a nice breeze flowing through,’ says Sam.
Check out more marvellous mezzanines
Check out more marvellous mezzanines
The gallery feels open to the ground floor, thanks to a glass balustrade. The Hart design team created the tall display and storage unit that sits just off the wall. ‘It is double faced, with lights on top and in the alcoves,’ says Sam. ‘All the home’s gadgets are hidden at the top on the wall side. It’s a truly multipurpose piece, with space to store technology, display pictures and books, and hang coats, too.’
The living room sits on the first floor, under the exposed rafters, and has a wood-burning stove for warmth in the winter. ‘The slate for the hearth was reclaimed from an old pool table,’ says Sam. Deep oak windowsills, large oak-framed windows and a soaring roof make this space both cosy and dramatic.
This en-suite bathroom has a bespoke bath surround and cabinets, topped off with rock basins. ‘What looks like a grey cupboard beneath is actually a set of steps on wheels that pulls out so you can reach the window,’ says Sam. The mirror is two way, and helps draw light down to the ground floor.
Browse more rustic bathrooms
Browse more rustic bathrooms
Hart Design worked with local conservatory specialists to construct this chunky, oak-framed space. The Milan limestone flooring from Mandarin Stone runs throughout the ground floor, creating a unified backdrop that allows the striking stone walls and beautiful oak to really stand out. ‘This was quite a big budget build,’ says Sam, ‘but these tiles look great and were not madly expensive.’
Sam’s team also landscaped the garden and designed the terrace flowing off the conservatory, using identical Milan limestone flooring for cohesion.
This utility space also contains one of the pillars that support the gallery, with the en-suite bathroom directly above. The two-way mirror in the bathroom is installed in this white wall, above the pillar, but just out of shot. ‘It looks like a window, but you can’t see anyone in the bath from this angle,’ laughs Sam.
The main bedroom contains modern elements, but retains a softly traditional feel. ‘The small square on the floor under the radiator is a laundry shoot,’ says Sam. ‘The laundry drops down into the utility space below, right opposite the washing machine. We would all get more washing done if we had one of these!’
In addition to recessed LEDs, Sam fitted low-wattage reading lights around the barn, which produce a soft, warm glow. ‘We kept them quite hidden,’ says Sam, ‘but at night they create a really wonderful atmosphere in the barn.’
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