Design Storey’s conversion of a listed 18th-century barn into a home demonstrates an impressive attention to detail, and won it the South West & Wessex Conservation Award
2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Award
2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Conservation Award sponsored by Velux
The Cowshed, Gloucestershire
Design Storey for private client
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 90m2
In this conversion of a Grade II-listed Gloucestershire barn that dates back to the 18th century, the architects have worked inventively within the constraints of the existing stone and timber structures to create a compact but beautifully planned and executed dwelling. Across a wide range of decisions, the team demonstrated impressive attention to detail in design and execution, admirably conserving the historical fabric’s character.
The creative use of the original highly weathered pieces of timber cladding – as a contrast to the simple glazing behind and the straightforward use of new metal roof sheeting – provides the house with a striking architectural quality. Looking onto a private garden, it is surrounded by a collection of Cotswold stone outbuildings and the rear of period properties. Internally, the design creates an intimate dwelling, intended as the clients’ weekend home. This has been expertly planned by Design Storey to unlock the restrictions of the existing building, creating a surprising sense of generosity despite the small size and spatial constraints.
The repairs notably included the reinstatement of the formerly derelict oak-framed barn’s structure. The retention and lifting of the existing trusses required a daring collaboration with the structural engineer – just one example of where a real sense of understanding the building and clever reactions to what was found during the project’s execution resulted in powerful reinvention.
Another example of this was the introduction of an intermediate-level ‘boot room’, which creates a subtle separation between living and sleeping spaces. This leads to a delightful timber staircase that further articulates different rooms and bathrooms in a compact new timber installation. Elements of interior design and use of indirect artificial lighting are well-judged throughout, particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms.
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RIBA Regional Awards 2025 sponsored by Autodesk, EH Smith, Equitone and Velux
Credits
Contractor Matford Construction
Structural engineer Mann Williams