Extensions to Barn Conversion, Burford, Oxfordshire

Overview

The emphasis of this project was to provide a high quality low carbon extension to an existing barn conversion to greatly improve the size and scale of living accommodation on the site by replacing some existing stable outbuildings.

The clients were conscious of including some softer detailing into the scheme and as a result stone arches were introduced internally to link the main living spaces and externally to frame a view of Burford from the site.

The detailing continued into the green oak of the link and sun room to provide some well proportioned connecting living spaces.

Sustainable Design Features

The extension is heated using a Ground Source heat pump system running in trenches in the paddock adjacent, linked to underfloor heating in the highly insulated interior, with triple glazed windows and doors.

The walls are internally plastered in a lime plaster system to allow breathability of the structure and the whole extension is linked to a centralised heat exchanger system to provide filtered and pre- heated fresh air. A wood-burning stove is incorporated to provide additional heating to the main living areas.

The complete rainwater from the existing barn and new extension is drained to a rainwater collection tank buried in the garden to allow a free supply of water for the whole garden.