Sustainable Heritage: A Cornish Barn's Evolution
PL13 | Pioneering Off-Grid Living in a Historic Setting
The Brief
We were presented with a curtilage-listed bank barn in a stunning location near Looe, Cornwall. The challenge was to create a sustainable three-bedroom family home while preserving and enhancing the building's historic significance.
Heritage Considerations
The project required careful navigation of:
- Preservation of historic fabric and character.
- Enhancement of the Grade II listed farmhouse setting.
- Compliance with listed building requirements.
- Integration of modern living spaces.
- Achievement of ambitious sustainability goals.
Design Philosophy
Our solution embraced a dual approach:
- Thoughtful adaptation of the original barn for private spaces.
- Contemporary extension for family living.
- Glazed link creating a clear distinction between old and new.
- Strategic implementation of off-grid technologies.
- Careful consideration of the historic farmstead context.
Crafted Details
- Traditional materials: unpainted oak joinery.
- Local stone and lime mortar construction.
- Agricultural heritage-inspired metal roofing.
- Preserved architectural features.
Modern Integration
- Off-grid capabilities.
- Carefully positioned solar PV installation.
- Sympathetic contemporary extension.
- Optimised spatial planning.
Conservation Success
Our heritage expertise secured both planning and listed building consent, demonstrating:
- Successful preservation of a heritage asset.
- Integration of sustainable technologies.
- Harmonious blend of historic and contemporary design.
- Enhanced historic farmstead setting.
This project exemplifies BluePrint Architectural Workshop's commitment to creating sustainable futures for historic buildings, delivering homes that respect their heritage whilst embracing modern environmental standards.
Testimonial
