Birtwick Park

The conversion of small redundant agricultural buildings to residential accommodation can be tricky as the rules on conversion impose strict limits on the size of any extension. This can often create difficulties in designing accommodation that is large enough for modern day contemporary living.

This small cart shed is in a quiet rural location and on a good sized plot in South Norfolk. In order to expand the footprint of the building within the rules, we devised a ‘drum’ to be located against the existing building form. Having the appearance of an agricultural silo it effectively houses two rooms and en-suite facilities on two floors. To prevent it dominating the form of the existing cart shed it was set lower into the ground. The ground floor of the cart shed was also lowered to match this reduced level giving more space within the building.

The sharp modern appearance complements the existing building and adds to the setting. The project was achieved through close cooperation and dialogue with the local Planning Department.