Aldingbourne Barn
Giving an historic barn a new lease of life
Modern living without losing the character of this heritage barn
Dating from the 16th century, this former tithe barn had been converted into a home in the 1960s. But while its history and character were worth preserving, the house was cold, its energy performance was poor, and parts of the layout no longer made the most of the building.
Our clients wanted to improve the way their home looked and worked, while making it more comfortable and efficient. The challenge was to bring an old building up to modern standards without losing what made it special.
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Type
Private Residential
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Scope
Interior and exterior refurbishment
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Location
Aldingbourne, West Sussex
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Client
Simon and Sarah
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Services
Discovery, Design, Detail, Delivery
Working with the building, not against it
With the barn’s historic significance as a locally listed building and local planning constraints to consider, the approach needed to be carefully judged. Working alongside energy and heritage consultants, we explored how the building could be improved while respecting its original character.
Improving insulation to the walls and roof, and addressing vulnerable junctions around the eaves, formed an important part of the strategy. These less visible details matter just as much as the finished appearance when it comes to creating a home that is comfortable to live in.
A more energy-efficient future
Improving the barn’s energy performance was a key part of the project. Alongside improvements to the building’s insulation, the installation of a heat pump, solar panels and battery storage has helped create a home that is far more energy-efficient. So much so that the log burner can now be enjoyed for its atmosphere and character, rather than being relied upon to keep the house warm.
A more thoughtful home for modern life
The proposals also looked beyond the building’s thermal performance. Improvements to the windows, doors and internal layout offered opportunities to bring more natural light into the house, create a better connection between the kitchen and dining room, and strengthen the relationship between the home and garden.
Externally, the intention was to give the barn a more considered appearance, balancing traditional character with more contemporary interventions. The aim was not to disguise its history, but to build on it. The project also considered the building’s place in its wider environment, with bat boxes incorporated into the rear of the barn.
Old character, renewed purpose
A project like Aldingbourne Barn is a reminder that improving an older home isn’t simply about updating what is there. It is about understanding the building, recognising its potential and making thoughtful changes that allow it to work better for modern life, without losing the qualities that made it worth keeping in the first place.
Could this be the start of your story?
Every home we build is a response to a specific life and a specific landscape or context. If this project has inspired you, let’s discuss how we can bring the same level of craft, clarity, and character to your vision.