The Barn
Epping Forest, Essex
Overview
Located within the Special Area of Conservation, Epping Forest, this rather unassuming house has been given a new lease of life. Our clients loved its location deep within the forest, but they didn't love the layout or look of the existing property, and wanted a larger residence with more substance.
Our design is a bold extension clad in stone, chosen to work in its rural setting. The form developed through massing exploration so that it would sit comfortably against the rather low roof form of the existing. We wanted to make a contemporaneous statement without overshadowing the original house, nor being disproportionate to that of the existing house which is key to getting planning within the Green Belt.
The proposal links the extension by way of a rejigged internal layout, whilst ensuring lots of natural light.
We have cleverly created new corridors both on the ground and first floor levels, through use of full-height glazed screens or the feature dormer to the rear.
Rather than feeling like an add-on; the extension feels connected to the house, and an integral part of it.
- Material palette of natural materials including timber and stone
- Modern statement extension
- Meadow green roof
- Design ensures principal rooms maximise the wonderful views
Detail
The feature rooms like that of the kitchen/dining/snug and the master bedroom are all located to maximise the rear garden view and the home’s serenity, as well as the best solar gain due to their orientation.
Through our sustainable design, much of the existing house has been retained and in fact was the springboard for the design through the contextual roof tiles. As such, expressive highly tactile materials throughout the design include over-cladding the new and old with responsibly resourced timber slats.
We have ensured a flow around the house through the landscaping; a journey that makes sense from the car to how we connect to the house and to the garden. We have opened up the rear, by extending terraces so that each is large enough for use as you step down towards the pretty brook within the garden.
Carbon impact
Carbon impact
Featured in
Want to know more about The Barn?
More from our collections
Shall we talk?
Accredited by:
.webp)