The Barn & The Office

With a brief to design a new home with exceptional energy efficiency, Wendy Perring of PAD studio also felt a responsibility to respond to the very special waterside site. “We wanted this building to fit humbly into its coastal surrounding, to appear understated and look as though it had been in existence for some time.” To enhance the rural vernacular, the exterior has been clad in recycled wood boards, retained from another barn.

. . . Enki Magazine . . .

Project & Environmental Data

Project Info

  • Location: Hampshire, UK
  • Designation: National Park, SSSI, Conservation Area
  • Collaborators: Grey Matter Concrete, Willie Nickerson Interior Design
  • Image Credit: Ståle Eriksen

Awards

2020 BD Architect of the Year Awards: Small Project Architect of the Year, Winner

Environmental Data

  • Energy Efficiency
    1 2 3 4 5 6
  • Insulation
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
  • Thermal Mass
    1 2
  • Airtightness
    1 2 3 4 5
  • Embodied Carbon
    1 2 3
  • Heating/Hot Water
    Electric Gas Ground Source Air Source
  • Solar Thermal
    Yes No
  • Rain Water Harvest
    Yes No
  • Ventilation
    MVHR Natural
  • Energy Storage
    Yes No

The massing and proportion of this single storey building is deliberately sensitive, incorporating natural materials that blend barn and landscape, reducing the homes impact on the site. The house is orientated to enhance solar gain whist retaining privacy and maintaining a connection to the stunning site. The design was influenced by the architecture of local agricultural buildings, the nature of the exposed coastal location and the stringent local planning requirements.

We believe that beauty is measurable and that even the most constrained project or site can be beautiful. Often, embracing constraints is a catalyst for inspirational resolutions. We respectfully celebrate the ‘question’, which has resulted in our reputation for bringing success to challenging and complex sites and project briefs.

The idea that the timber cladding had already had another life appealed to us – it has a story to tell and the patina of weathering that the timber has already developed is very beautiful’ says Perring. Know for a dedicated pursuit of sustainability, this idea of reuse also appealed to the architects at PAD studio. The (reused) timber is continuous on the roof as well as the walls which unifies agricultural aesthetic.

. . . Enki Magazine . . .

On the north and south gables rough cut waney edge Douglas Fir boards are arranged as fins jutting out from the building. This timber grows locally in the New Forest and was chosen for its low-carbon credentials. Perring says, “We love the shadows and textures that this brings – it doesn’t matter to us or our clients that the bark will fall off over time as it adds to the richness of the weathering process.

. . . Enki Magazine . . .

Having worked with PAD Studio on three significant building projects now, we have found them to be a highly innovative and creative team. They have particular strengths in building design that works beautifully for the personal requirements of the client and with the natural surroundings.

. . . Private Client . . .

Inside the house is bright and light with a muted colour palette designed in collaboration with Willie Nickerson Interior Design; the main living space is open plan with pale oak flooring and full height ceilings, exaggerating the feeling of space. Large frameless picture windows are used throughout, flooding the interior with natural daylight and creating a fluid relationship between the interior and exterior. Large glass doors lead onto a covered terrace, a sheltered outdoor space which creates an additional living space with views out across meadow and to sea.

We love what we do, and we work hard to make sure that you enjoy the journey with us too. We have a great team at PAD studio and have built up a network of likeminded collaborators.

The landscaping, also by PAD studio is simple yet affective, incorporating silver birch trees and wild meadow flowers that soften and meld the building with the established coastal vegetation and surrounding mature trees.

Wendy and the team have extensive knowledge and experience in delivering contemporary and sustainable designs, creating modern stylish spaces with a holistic approach. We are delighted with the end results.

. . . Private Client . . .