Burton House Farm – Part Q Barn Conversion
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Client: Private Client
Location: Burton House Farm, Skelsmergh, Kendal, Cumbria
Project Type: Part Q Permitted Development – Stable Conversion to Residential
Duration: Planning phase only
Services Provided: Planning Drawings, Design Proposal, Coordination with Planning Consultants
CLIENT CHALLENGE
The client approached Architectural Assistance with a vision to convert an existing steel portal farm barn, originally clad in corrugated metal panels, into a two-bedroom residential property. The barn, which stood adjacent to a stone stable also undergoing conversion, had significant structural and planning constraints under Part Q permitted development, which allows for minimal changes to agricultural buildings. The most challenging aspect of the project was maintaining the existing footprint and dimensions, as dictated by Part Q, while making the barn suitable for habitation.
Due to the barn’s industrial design and the steel portal frame, creating a comfortable, light-filled home posed further challenges, particularly with the limited head height on the first floor. Furthermore, the client’s overall goal was to set a planning precedent for residential properties on the site.
OUR APPROACH
Process Overview:
The design strategy for the barn conversion required maintaining the steel portal frame, while completely reconstructing the walls and roof. We proposed cladding the new walls in powder-coated black corrugated panels, selected not only to comply with planning restrictions but also to elevate the barn’s aesthetics. These panels provided a modern, crisp look that suited the rural landscape while adhering to Part Q limitations.
One of the most innovative solutions in the design was the inclusion of a breezeway, which separated the barn from the adjacent stable. This space functioned as both an undercover outdoor area and a light well, allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the ground floor of the barn. The breezeway also served as a functional space for access to the rear garden and bin storage, and allowed for a new entrance and boot room to be created.
Double-Height Spaces:
Given the limited head height on the first floor, only the central area of the barn had sufficient clearance for habitable spaces. We designed double-height areas over the entrance hall and lounge to create a sense of openness and space. Skylights were strategically placed to ensure that these areas, along with the master bedroom, received ample natural light.
Technical Solutions:
The new walls and roof were structurally independent, designed to bear the load, while the steel portal frame—retained due to Part Q—supported the breezeway roof. Despite the project not progressing beyond planning, the design was fully viable, with built-in tolerance to adapt to any future structural needs, ensuring it could be realized without returning to planning
DESIGN AND EXECUTION
The transformation of the barn involved several key design solutions to meet both Part Q constraints and the client’s residential goals:
-
Breezeway Design: An open breezeway was created between the barn and the adjacent stable. The existing steel columns were left exposed in front of the stone stable wall, adding a distinctive industrial aesthetic. The use of semi-transparent corrugated sheeting on the barn’s side wall allowed borrowed light to flood into both the breezeway and the interior of the barn, solving the challenge of bringing light into what was originally a very dark space.
-
New Walls & Roof: The barn’s original corrugated cladding was replaced with new powder-coated black panels, enhancing durability and aesthetics. The fixings were carefully spaced to give the exterior a clean, modern look that still respected the barn’s agricultural origins.
-
Double-Height Spaces: To counter the low head height on the first floor, double-height spaces were introduced over the entrance hall and lounge, making these key areas feel more spacious. Skylights were installed to provide additional light in areas where window placement was limited.
-
Functional Layout: While the compact footprint of the barn would traditionally accommodate more bedrooms, the head height constraints and the introduction of the breezeway led to a well-proportioned two-bedroom layout. The ground floor featured an open-plan family room, with a feature kitchen, lounge, dining area, and a generous utility room designed to house laundry facilities.
THE OUTCOME
Though the project has not yet been built, the Part Q planning approval was successfully obtained, setting a precedent for future residential developments on the site. The design creatively solved the challenges posed by light, space constraints, and Part Q regulations, resulting in a plan that maximized the barn’s potential while respecting the limitations imposed by its agricultural history.
The use of the breezeway not only provided a practical solution for structural separation and light penetration, but it also added an attractive architectural feature that enhanced the property’s overall functionality and aesthetic appeal.