The Barn by Christopher Howe

I want to spend the entire summer in this glorious structure (whenever summer decides to show up after we unbury ourselves from the copious amount of snow we've received). The aesthetic and design decisions for this project were led by the desire to restore what is natural to the interior. The aim was to create another world, to offer an escape but one grounded in the history and purpose of the original building. Great attention was paid to choosing materials that would be in keeping with the original building as well as finding the most skilled craftsmen to work with them. Local timber was used for the floor and walls, sourced from a nearby salvage yard, the fine wrought iron handrail was handmade by a local blacksmith, even such details as the wooden door latch on the bathroom have been handcrafted. The interior itself has been filled with an eclectic mix of the very best antique pieces alongside contemporary lighting and some of Howe’s signature bespoke designs. A beautiful painted regency chest of drawers sit below a large 1950s Serge Mouille three-armed ceiling light in the bedroom, Swedish mid Century flat weave rugs bring bold colour to the space and an original Royere wrought iron standard lamp provides reading light over an antique battered leather armchair. By Christopher Howe. 

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A barn conversion in Berkshire

The conversion of a rundown barn in Berkshire saw London-based Indigo Design Associates create a beautiful contemporary home within the old stone walls. A soft colour palette of greys and whites is enhanced by injections of blue while natural fabrics and old timbers add warmth to the minimalist shell. Simple clean modern lines celebrate the vast barn space while private spaces are more intimate.

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The Ancient Party Barn

OMG I am in love. You all know how much we love a good conversion..... This award-winning conversion of an 18th century threshing barn, dairy and stables by London architecture and interior design firm Liddicoat & Goldhill is un-freaking-believable. Our task was to combine the quality of the surviving barn fragments with the texture and tone of their found materials. To maintain the barn’s brooding presence - and to provide security and a sense of protection from rolling Channel mists - the barn is usually kept in a closed state. However, industrial-scale kinetic mechanisms create openings that address key views into the countryside. Massive, insulated shutters recall the original barn doors, and protect a vast rotating window operated by an adapted chain-lift. To the East front, an American aircraft-hangar door allows the exterior to concertina upwards, creating a canopy over the dining terrace and revealing ribbon glazing within. A single rooflight, running the length of the main roof’s ridge provides steady ambient light to the living spaces.  

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Heaven in a barn

Heaven is a barn, photographed by Michael Sinclair. Take a deep breath in, then out, then scroll...

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Barn conversion

Another historic building renovation from the portfolio of Chelsea-based architectural firm McLaren.Excell. Pocket Corner Barn celebrates the original materials and soaring spaces of this 18th century brick and flint cattle barn. There's an almost Scandinavian feel. Check out the moveable steel staircase.

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