A redundant barn transformed into a sustainable, high-end home through sensitive engineering, preserving rural character and achieving modern performance standards.
A redundant barn transformed into a sustainable, high-end home through sensitive engineering, preserving rural character and achieving modern performance standards.
Value: £850k
Location: Hambledon, South Downs
Architect: Studio Four Architects
Contractor: Agincourt Contractors
AWA began with a comprehensive structural survey to confirm the barn’s suitability for conversion, enabling planning consent through the Class Q route. Once approved, we provided full structural design and ongoing support during construction, working closely with the contractor to resolve on-site queries and ensure design intent was maintained from concept to completion.
To accommodate the architect’s vision of introducing a new first floor within the existing envelope, AWA designed a self-supporting internal steel frame to carry all additional loads independently of the original structure. This ensured the barn’s external frame and historic character remained intact while enhancing stability and performance. Using advanced analysis and modelling, we achieved precise integration between new and existing elements. The design balanced structural efficiency with architectural sensitivity, enabling modern living standards within a retained rural form.
Sustainability was central to the project, incorporating photovoltaic panels, an air-source heat pump, and a high-performance building fabric to achieve an A-rated EPC and a net carbon impact of –1.7 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The client and design team expressed broad satisfaction with the outcome — a successful conclusion to a long planning process and a clear realisation of the project vision. A sensitive reuse of a once-redundant structure.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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