Contemporary living... in a barn! (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Contemporary living... in a barn!

Formerly used as a store for grain and wool, an 18th Century Maltings barn has now been given a future that combines its Cotswold heritage with the best in 21st Century Gloucestershire architectural design and construction.

With the assistance of Tetbury architects, Verity and Beverley, the barn near Tetbury has been transformed into a contemporary open living space while remaining faithful to the integrity of its original structure and fabric.

As was typical of a barn of this kind the building was partially constructed underground with a raised floor designed to prevent infestation of vermin. The rebuilding of the lower area was integral to Verity and Beverley's plans to allow for the creation of a series of bedrooms and bathrooms at standard head height.

Elsewhere at the upper floor level, the brief to create a unified space was interpreted by incorporating areas for work, relaxation and food preparation within an open plan but multi-level living area.

The development of these different levels in the large interior creates an illusion of moving from room to room while at all times a line of sight is maintained from one end of the barn to the other, allowing for an appreciation of the space as a whole.

The desire for consistency throughout, has been followed through into interior design with clever use of a minimal number of materials - namely maple and aluminium.

The light maple floor that features throughout the barn creates a look that is almost the antithesis of a typical dark wood barn interior. However its modern appearance is entirely misleading.

The floor was salvaged by the barn's owner at the closure of a mill in nearby Stroud. Each solid maple piece bears a 'Made in Canada' and maple leaf stamp, revealing its past as an import from the turn of the 20th Century. Each piece of flooring was painstakingly removed from the mill and then subsequently repaired and re-laid in the barn.

Expensive materials have been eschewed in favour of creating simple but effective structures from painted MDF but with lighting used to create sculpture and focus. Verity & Beverley worked with a lighting consultant to create a lighting scheme that was an integral part of the design.

The apparent simplicity of these elements however hides the dedication by the property's owner in creating them: "I was determined that every part of this barn should be finished to the highest standards," he explained.

"I was extremely fortunate in my selection of Verity and Beverley as they were really able to match my enthusiasm in their level of commitment to this project. My passion for making sure that every detail was created to perfection was echoed by their excellent standard of full project management."

This project is a clear demonstration of how conversion and renovation can equal progress and innovation in creating a place for modern living.

Verity and Beverley, Architects and Designers, Spencer House, 34 Long Street Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8AQ Tel. 01666 503516 www.verity-beverley.co.uk