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Ancient Party Barn, Kent

Evoking the pleasure of a transforming toy

Credit: Keith Collie

Liddicoat & Goldhill for John Sinclair

Contract value: Undisclosed

GIA: 2250m2

This project is a sheer delight. Designed as a country retreat and design studio, the space offers more than meets the eye: the aircraft hangar opening gear that jacks up the bottom half of the end elevation to reveal windows and create a covered shelter; the massive doors that open on castors to reveal the counterbalanced pivoting window and winding gear; the stair wrapped around a brick chimney flue. 

  • Credit: Keith Collie
  • Credit: Keith Collie
  • Credit: Keith Collie
  • Credit: Keith Collie
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The project has a crafted feel of times gone by while evoking the pleasure of a transforming toy. An SIP-clad steel exoskeleton sits over the original timber frame, allowing it to tell its story internally as it did when this was a modest farm building. The project is a blend of a client and his quirky obsessions and an architect who clearly delivered exactly what was required – and more.

See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – South East


 

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