Sheds unlike houses are designed and built around the function without thought for re-sale value or traditional conformities. The County Down Barn was designed as a big shed to form a backdrop for ever changing family life. A house which could respond to family life in a playful and pragmatic manner, but which would also fits the beautiful landscape it inhabits.

The original Barn was reconstructed to form the ground floor where the four bedrooms and two bathrooms are situated. The first floor is constructed of Cross Laminated timber panels which not only is highly sustainable, but robust and practical for family living. The spruce timber creates a beautiful and warm space.

The view of County Down’s Mourne Mountains is visible throughout the first floor, which is essentially one space separated into several zones, with kitchen/living space opening out on the garden at first floor level and a large living room with views out across the rolling landscape of County Down. An open landing forms a light filled study space above which a cargo net stretches out over the void and connects a small mezzanine play space.

The materials used in the build have been designed to get better with age, the larch will silver, the stone weather in, the corten steel rust into a deep orange.

Kevin McCloud describes the house as…

“One of the finest rural houses I’ve seen: pragmatic, ecological, unpretentious and full of joy.”

Building work started on site in May 2016 and was finished in July 2017, if you would like to watch the episode click the link.

In May 2018 the project was awarded RSUA House of the Year 2018, as well as Small Project of the Year and an RSUA Design award/RIBA Northern Ireland regional award.

If you are interested in building your own home or have a project you would like to talk to us about click the contact link and send us a message.