Conversions: Case Studies

Faith Restored

Pictured above

The Project: Grade II listed stone Georgian church conversion, complete with battlements and a stained glass window.
Structural Issues: Required weatherproofing and damp eradicating. A huge concrete raft was poured inside to raise the floor level.
Design Solutions: The main body of the church (pictured below) has been left open plan and incorporates the chancel, nave and vestry.

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Out of True

The Project: Conversion of a listed oak frame barn, parts of which date back to the 15th century.
Structural Issues: Brick infill panels rebuilt. Structure required underpinning. Radical repairs to the roof.
Design Solutions: Oak frame remains fully visible. A central atrium space has two staircases, each leading up to a bedroom, to avoid cutting the beams. The windows are deliberately not square, and the rest of the repairs were done ‘out of true’ to maintain character.

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Against the Grain

The Project: Grade II listed 16th century oak frame threshing barn conversion, contemporary style set within ‘gnarled’ exposed trusses and vaulted ceiling.
Structural Issues: Part of the building had already collapsed, which was rebuilt and the whole structure selectively underpinned. Roof was re-thatched.
Design Solutions: Oak frame remains fully visible within a largely open plan layout. Some new window openings were allowed. A staircase curves around a cylindrical media room, leading to a new first floor.

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Light Industry

The Project: Georgian industrial space conversion with an internal ‘bathroom pod’ inserted, running throughout.
Structural Issues: The structure was repointed, reinforced and reinsulated. A floor slab was replaced.
Design Solutions: The interiors remain largely open plan. A traditional Georgian staircase is in stark contrast to the contemporary pod. The ground floor is floored in concrete to make way for an industrial-style workshop.

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Conversions: Clever Design Ideas

1 Incorporate characterful beams into the design;
2 Introduce mezzanine levels to increase space;
3 Bring light in from above with sleek rooflights.

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Further reading:

• Everything You Need to Know About Conversions
• Design Masterclass: Barn Conversions
• A Guide to Reclaiming VAT: Conversions, Renovations and Extensions