At Alston Architects, our recent single-storey barn conversion in Oxnead, Norfolk, is part of an ambitious farm regeneration project, transforming several historic brick and flint barns into beautiful residential homes. This particular barn presented a unique structural challenge due to its aging flint walls, which had started to splay outward, risking further deterioration over time.
To preserve the barn's charm while ensuring long-term stability, we collaborated closely with our structural engineer, developing an elegant solution that wouldn’t compromise the barn’s narrow interior space. By integrating a thin steel portal frame into the barn, we created a new internal superstructure, allowing us to tie in the external flint walls securely without adding bulk to the interior.
The result is a space that feels open and cohesive, with the historic walls stabilized and honored as part of the barn’s rustic character. This project showcases our commitment to thoughtful design solutions that celebrate heritage while meeting modern living standards — transforming Oxnead’s old barns into lasting, functional homes for future generations.
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