1836 Barn

The site is located in Riec-sur-Bélon, Brittany. The property sits within a 677 sqm plot, and the footprint of the existing stone barn is approximately 100 sqm. The building dates back to 1836; originally a farmhouse, it is now being transformed into a passive house for a family.

Status:

Planning

Tipology:

Residential

Size:

150 sqm

Building Cost:

+150k

Project Manager:

Kenny Orellana

The project involves the renovation of an existing building to transform it into a house. The building is semi-detached and arranged over two levels.

The existing building benefits from easy access from the road, with a very slight downward slope toward the north. The renovation works will improve the energy performance of the house while preserving the building’s architectural heritage.

The existing stone walls will be restored, the roof will be repaired, and the existing openings along the south façade will be retained. New high-performance doors and windows will replace the old ones. On the north façade, new doors and windows will be created using construction techniques that respect the building’s historic character. On the east façade, a very small window will be added.

The granite stone walls are nearly 200 years old, forming an exceptional example of traditional farm architecture that has stood the test of time. These walls will be carefully restored and insulated from the interior of the building, ensuring that their external appearance is preserved and that they continue to enhance the character of the surrounding environment. The chosen insulation has been specified to achieve high thermal performance while still allowing the walls to breathe.

The new home will extend over two storeys. As this is a conversion, the existing internal floors will be removed to allow for new floor and ceiling heights that meet the spatial standards and comfort requirements of modern living.

Above: The Southern Facade

Along the northern façade, new fenestrations are introduced and carefully positioned to ensure that both the internal and external layouts benefit from views toward the garden and the nearby forest.

Furthermore, an outdoor area has been thoughtfully incorporated on the first floor, serving as a buffer between this residence and the neighbouring properties.

This outdoor space will be enclosed with a horizontal wood plank trellis, which will not only prevent overlooking but also enhance the sense of privacy for the family.

Above: South Facade

Above: North Facade

At the ground floor this house has windows along Oakdale Road and the Winter Garden (interval space). At first floor windows are implemented along Oakdale Road and the Green Terrace.

A series of skylights have also been implemented, to enable passive ventilation.

This home is a ‘dual aspect’ and therefore provides good levels of daylight and sunlight to enhance natural light in all rooms.

The design intention for the new house is to provide high-quality housing that respects the architectural character of the adjoining properties. It aims to add new housing stock in response to high demand, while also improving the external appearance of the area.

The proposal is believed to enhance the setting and create a positive precedent, ensuring that the design is sympathetic to the existing context and does not harm the character of the nearby terraces.