Barn conversion

Has it ever occurred to you that remodelling an agricultural building can be the way to a homemade with style and character? A barn conversion is one of the most coveted types of home in Britain, yet it can be notoriously hard to get right.

There are some small obstacles to this idea. First of all, finding rural land that is suitable for building a new home can be difficult because planning laws restrict development in green locations.

However, due to changes in planning policies, it has become easier to build rural living space today. Barn conversions are an easy way to create new designs, as they often do not require detailed applications. This typical feature of the English countryside is slowly becoming redundant as time goes on, and these buildings offer vast amounts of space to transform into amazing rooms and homes. Converting these buildings can often be a great challenge, but also an incredibly useful idea.

This article outlines the common features and design approaches to maximizing the benefits of conversion.

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Adjusting the barn layout

Have you ever thought about how stables in a village from a distance are rarely noticed because they are visually blending into the surroundings? They may look insignificant on the outside because they lack the particular architectural features, windows and other external features of the building where people live. However, we only have a close look at how tall and spacious the barns are, and because of such a spectacular space, they provide great freedom when designing a home.

When it comes to the entrance, most barns have large doors and often side or rear access. The walls are usually lined with wood or brick, and the roof is simple. It is important that at the beginning of the process you should designate an entry point and a light source.

If your barn is a rectangular shape with a central access point, it is a good idea to place the first-floor accommodation on either side of the spacious atrium. This will create a dramatic atmosphere while emphasizing height and bringing natural light deep into the interior.

A staircase is often erected from this central area next to gallery landings. Landings then lead to the bedrooms on the first floor.

If you are going with an open-plan containing a kitchen, you will need to deal with installing fire protection.

Glazing and natural light

As we stated above, barns rarely have windows and, if you convert it into a house, it needs to be full of light. Any changes to the outside of the barn will probably need to be kept to a minimum if approved for the scheme. But don't despair: you'll almost certainly be able to install skylights side by side or in a row of one another. If it is a very wide barn, it is a good idea to install glazing so that natural light can penetrate right into the middle of the house. Skylights above staircases also create pleasant lighting.

If you are not a big fan of rooftop lights, there are other options to consider. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling glazing, for example, is an unusual and yet practical solution.

Open-plan and zoning areas in your new home

The barn space converted into a home can sometimes be too big for the standard rooms that most families own.

Consider placing rooms such as a study, guest room or bedroom on one side, while spaces that do not need a view, such as toilets, dressing rooms and pantries, can be placed along the walls.

If the floor plan is very large, try using mezzanine to break up the spaces for different purposes. The height variation is not only functional but it could shape the appearance of the entire interior of the house.

It is important to note that you should ask your designer to give you the drawings of the space under the roof and other sections of the building. This should allow you to determine which part of the upper level can be used for rooms, although it is expected that most barns provide space under the roof that can be used.

If the existing plan is relatively large, it is advisable to install high ceilings because if the ceiling is too low, it can create rooms with odd proportions where you would not feel comfortable.

Building Extensions

As with all other buildings, when converting a barn, if you realize that your floor area is missing, you can get more space by building an extension.

This is a good way, with the help of windows and other elements for the exterior of the building, the shape and overall look of the extension add to the contemporary look. This way you can manipulate different styles, architectural solutions and create an original look.

Extensions are not possible under PD rights, so you need to submit a full planning application for it.

Planning permission for a barn conversion

Permitted development rights (PDs) to change the use of farm buildings for residential purposes are only applicable in England. Although this is not done under a full planning application, it is still necessary to notify the council (which may require prior approval for pollution, noise impact, flood hazard and vehicle access).

Not only that: the local authority will have to assess whether there is any harm in carrying out this process.

Other provisions refer to the length of existence of the farm building as well as the size of the future apartment (that is 465m2).

Also, you must use an original structure that cannot be demolished and rebuilt. Balconies are forbidden.

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