Listed Barn Conversion

While searching for a barn conversion project for his next family home, Duncan Pyle, lead designer for O2i Design ltd, came across some dilapidated listed stone barns near Taunton. The ex-Duchy of Cornwall barns and courtyard were once a model farm but had not been used for many years. Unlike others before him, Duncan could see beyond the challenge of repurposing this agricultural site with Grade II listed barns.

Duncan wanted a home that reflected his commitment to sustainability, and O2i Design Ltd created a contemporary home amidst a courtyard of listed barns. The traditional external shell was retained to preserve the original barn features. A modern core with clean lines and cutting-edge renewable technologies provides a comfortable living space and an exciting juxtaposition with the exterior. Specialist contractors completed extensive remedial work to the structure before work could begin internally. A ground-source heat pump, ground-mounted solar panels, heavy insulation, energy-efficient hybrid glazing, and underfloor heating all contribute to making the property as energy efficient as possible. Work has been phased into three separate packages to ensure manageable financial commitments.

The barn is a light, contemporary, open-plan house that has kept the essential character and charm of the original building. Homebuilding

& Renovating Magazine featured this renovation in their February 2018 issue. Photos courtesy of ©Nigel Rigden. More recently, Metro Newspaper featured the property in their property

supplement of 19 March 2019. Photos courtesy of ©Bill Bradshaw