Owlscote Barn stands as a careful reworking of a historic agricultural building, shaped by respect for its original fabric and a desire to make it genuinely liveable for modern family life. Built in the 1740s, the barn required extensive repair and structural intervention, alongside a thoughtful approach to environmental performance and comfort. Hewn’s design preserves the clarity and scale of the original structure while introducing new layers of use, light, and efficiency. Traditional craftsmanship and modern systems are brought together to create a home that feels rooted in its setting yet confidently contemporary.

New insertions were designed to sit lightly within the existing envelope. A steel mezzanine introduces additional living space without compromising the barn’s generous internal volume, maintaining openness and visual connection across levels. Large openings and carefully positioned glazing draw daylight deep into the plan, enhancing the sense of space while framing views of the surrounding landscape. An accompanying annex extends the home’s programme, providing a flexible social and fitness space that complements the main building without competing with its historic character.

Conservation was central to the project’s architectural approach. The existing timber frame was carefully assessed and restored, with individual elements repaired or replaced only where necessary. Brickwork was dismantled by hand, catalogued, cleaned, and reassembled using traditional lime mortar, ensuring breathability and long-term durability while preserving historic patterns. These measured interventions allow the barn’s original structure to remain legible throughout the home, reinforcing a strong sense of continuity between past and present.