Sleapshyde Barn

This is a barn conversion project for a listed building.

Sleapshyde Barn (late C17) is a Grade II Listed Building, situated in the Sleapshyde Conservation Area.

A design strategy has been devised to make a minimal impact on the historic fabric. The conversion to a dwelling focuses on revealing the character of the existing frame, perimeter walls and roof structure, whilst carefully inserting new sub divisions to provide enclosure to more sensitive areas. Consequently, the interventions are minimal and generally free standing elements located clear of the perimeter walls. Any connection between the old and new is the minimum required to maintain privacy to bedrooms/bathrooms and provide bracing to the historic structure at vulnerable points in the frame. Connections are at doorways and carefully located connections perpendicular to the existing fabric.

A priority has been to retain the original threshing floor zones in the two barns as clear full height spaces. The new enclosed spaces necessary for bedrooms and bathrooms are inserted into the original storage areas.

The new interventions are conceived as free-standing pieces of furniture, separated from, and independent of the historic fabric. These ‘U’ shaped units are structural and provide support to the floor and walls of the first floor accommodation. These rigid and light weight elements bear direct on the existing concrete slab avoiding the need to excavate foundations.

The conceptual intention is that the historic fabric retains its distinction and integrity.

In general the existing Oak frame, wall studs, braces, purlins and rafters are left exposed. Where Oak studs are missing, new Oak studs have been added. These are indicated with a hatch to distinguish them from the existing studs. The existing timber will be treated and repaired.

Listed Building Consent (discharge of conditions): 2021

Local Authority: St Albans District Council

Location: Sleapshyde, St Albans