Old Farmstead in the UK Becomes Sustainable Family Home

Van Ellen + Sheryn Architects transformed and extended an 18th century farmstead in Dartmoor National Park, UK, into a sustainable family home, well-adapted to the surrounding wooded landscape.

A series of incoherent 1950s extensions were demolished to better emphasize the main barn-style buildings on the plot. The old milking parlor to the west of the farmhouse and barn were redesigned to provide generous accommodation options. These structures currently accommodate the bedrooms and living areas.

“To provide the level of accommodation required by the family, a single story steel framed glass structure was inserted between the farmhouse and barn,” the architects explained. “This serves a number of purposes; it creates a new heart to the building housing a contemporary kitchen and sitting room with direct access to the outside gardens, and acts as the main circulation route between the farmhouse, the barn, and the garden.”

Wood, brick and glass were the main materials employed to refurbish this remarkable home in the UK. A smart water drainage system adds to the sustainable features of the project. Images: Richard Downer Photography

This post originally from Fresh Home

Comments

Mind the gap: Fit IKEA MALM over a tall baseboard

I forgot one thing when I ordered the MALM dresser : The baseboards in my apartment are very tall and very wide. So, when I installed it, I had a 4 cm gap between the wall and the back of the cabinet which was not aesthetically possible for me. As it is not possible to cut the back of dresser at the bottom to leave room for the tall baseboard, I decided that MALM should be raised. And it was much simpler than I had imagined. You’ll need: A MALM dresser (mine is a 6-drawer chest) Six oak bed legs (I think five would have been enough, but while I was there …) 6 mounting plates A piece of plywood the size of the bottom of the cabinet (I went to the hardware store next door, it cost me less than 5€) Screws White adhesive edging tape How to raise the MALM dresser above a tall baseboard Place the MALM upside down. Fix the plywood onto the underside of the MALM with screws. Predrill holes for the leg screws (if you have the same baseboard problem as me, make sure you measur...

How to Document the Home Building Process

Building your home is a unique experience filled with stories you will never forget. There is also important information you need to remember if you build, even after you settle in. Whether it’s for your family or for future renovations, documenting your build is an important part of the process. Keeping track of your documents and making sure your family stay in the loop can help you stay organized and make sure you remember everything about your build. Not sure how to stay on top of all of the details? Document the process with these simple tips so you can always look back on it fondly. Collect this idea Use social media and involve your friends. Image: Kroiss Development Keep friends and family in the loop The home building process is exciting and your friends and family will want to be included. In fact, you’ll probably find that your new home becomes a popular conversation topic. You don’t need to personally keep everyone in the loop. Instead, you can find ways to keep ev...

IKEA KALLAX Queen Storage Bed

I built this prior to knowing this website existed, this probably would have saved some contemplation. For difficulty reference, I am no carpenter (electrician actually) and I built it with my right hand in a cast. We bought an old house with original hardwood flooring from the 40s so we were very concerned about damaging it. The casters on a normal bed frame put a lot of pressure on a small surface and we didn’t want it dented or damaged if things started a rockin …. Plus, a 40′s house has virtually no storage as you only needed 3 pairs of pants back then. IKEA material : 3 x KALLAX shelf units (4) 4 x KALLAX drawer kits 8 x KALLAX fabric boxes Non-IKEA material : 4 x 2×4 A grade (saves time) 2 x 2×6 2 x sheets 1/2″ plywood (what ever grade you want) 25ft x iron-on edge trim 100 x 3″ #8 wood screws 20 x 1-1/4″ #8 wood screws satin white paint Tools (I used) : Tape measure Drill w/ 1/8″ bit for piloting holes Impact driver for screws Table saw Miter saw Ass...

Joyce Ford Blog

Search This Blog