On site in Suffolk – the conversion of an existing barn in the curtilage of a Grade II Listed house, to provide annexe accommodation for the client’s parent. The building is a mix of original timber frame with black timber cladding, and later brickwork additions. When complete it will provide step-free accommodation on the ground floor, with a bedroom, shower room, and open-plan living/kitchen/dining area. A mezzanine will be used as a small studio for sewing, with north-facing rooflights above. The existing timber frame will be retained and repaired as much as possible, and left exposed on the inside. Significantly damaged timbers will be replaced like-for-like with new oak members.

In order to insulate the existing walls whilst allowing the structure to remain breathable, we are installing a combination of blown hemp insulation between the frame and woodfibre boards over the outside face. Likewise the existing roof will have Pavaflex woodfibre insulation fitted between the rafters, with woodfibre boards below. These natural, sustainable insulations will provide a significant improvement in the thermal performance of the building. They are fully breathable, naturally regulating moisture levels and reducing the risk of internal condensation, damp and mould – thereby providing a healthy living environment. Pavaflex also has high levels of thermal mass, meaning the roof will be insulated against summertime overheating. Internal finishes will be in lime plaster, which is both breathable and beautiful.

Works are being carried out by John Cowling Builders.

Watch this space as we follow the progress of the project on site!