Orchard Stables

The proposal for this barn house, which is situated in the conservation area of East Hendred in Oxfordshire, comprised a comprehensive overhaul of the ground and first floors, including an extension to the kitchen, a new dormer to the bedroom, and an extensive refurbishment of the entire barn and its front garden. The objective was to create a comfortable, light-filled family home.

Given that all the existing doors and windows of the house face north, the project’s primary focus was to enhance the flow of natural light. This was achieved by extending the kitchen with an informal living room featuring large west-facing glass sliding doors. These doors connect the house to the garden and allow in abundant natural light. Internally, at the far end of this extension, a fireplace will be installed, and joinery will be added to the alcoves. Behind the fireplace, there will be a storage room which is accessible from the outside. The roof will have a large skylight and a slight slope at the rear and at the far end above the storage room to avoid obstructing neighbours’ views and right of light.

On the first floor, a new dormer window will be installed to the master bedroom, thereby increasing the amount of natural light that enters the room.

The remodelled open-plan kitchen and newly added informal living room will significantly enhance the overall sense of space in the house.