Nestled amidst England's pastoral landscapes, the Hunts Green Barn stands as a sterling example of architectural evolution. The London-based design firm, McLaren Excell, breathed new life into this 16th-century Grade II listed barn, interweaving historical authenticity with modern design elements.
Previously hampered by 20th-century partitions, the barn's expansive spaces were constricted into smaller rooms, stifling the structure's inherent grandeur. McLaren Excell's vision sought to rectify this, introducing a strategic extension to the barn that not only caters to a large family but also resurrects its original spacious charm.
The aesthetic revamp of the barn gave a nod to its industrial heritage. Raw black steel finishes were employed extensively, gracing spaces ranging from storage areas to fireplaces and window apertures. Furthermore, the new extension embraced a seamless continuity with the old, achieved through the use of a polished concrete floor slab and oak veneered boards, offering a cohesive visual flow and maintaining privacy.
Innovation was not confined to the barn's aesthetics; it was extended to its functionality as well. The kitchen was compactly designed to integrate multiple utilities without imposing on the barn's grand spaces. This block, clad in raw black steel, also houses stairs leading to a plywood-wrapped study, exemplifying clever use of space.
McLaren Excell prioritized environmental sustainability throughout the design process. They integrated a ground source heat pump and used low embodied carbon materials, such as sustainably sourced Spruce cladding, thereby boosting the barn's environmental performance. Furthermore, state-of-the-art technology was incorporated for controlling ambient lighting, entertainment, and environmental conditions, striking a balance between the barn's rustic appeal and contemporary requirements.
