Cleveland Barns

A’Bear and Ball Architects were engaged by a local developer to enhance an existing planning permission and maximize the value of this unique barn conversion project. Located at the foot of White Horse Hill in Oxfordshire, the project transforms redundant agricultural barns into four high-quality residential units, providing sustainable housing solutions while repurposing a brownfield site.

The scheme includes two 2-bedroom houses, one 4-bedroom house, and an executive 5-bedroom house. The barns’ original steel portal frame structures with their distinctive curved roofs are retained, contributing to a contemporary design language that acknowledges the site’s agricultural past. This is further reflected in the selection of the exterior materials, where timber cladding and standing seam metal create a clean modern appearance whilst referencing the materials that would have been used on the buildings in the previous use of the site.

 Inside, each of the new units is designed with flexible living spaces that cater to modern lifestyles. Double-height areas in the barns bring an abundance of natural light and an open, airy feel, enhancing the sense of space. The interiors are thoughtfully planned to balance form and functionality, offering comfortable and adaptable environments for modern living.

The project also includes essential infrastructure such as parking, an internal private road, and well-considered landscaping and amenity spaces. A’Bear and Ball Architects worked closely with specialists, including Arboricultural Consultants, Civil Engineers, and Contamination Consultants, to address technical challenges, ensuring the development is cohesive and well-integrated.

 For local developers seeking to optimize brownfield sites, this project highlights how contemporary design can successfully repurpose existing structures, offering sustainable, attractive housing solutions that maintain the character and integrity of the local area.

By combining sustainability, innovative design, and expert collaboration, A’Bear and Ball Architects deliver projects that meet the needs of modern living while preserving the charm of rural settings.