Barn Redevelopment
Location: Ravenglass, Cumbria
Status: Pre-application and planning strategy
Performance Standard: Passivhaus Principles
Key Features: New dwelling through sensitive barn redevelopment, Air Source Heat Pump, energy-efficient, accessible, passivhaus principles
This project involves the sensitive redevelopment of an existing agricultural barn within the Lake District National Park, creating an accessible, low-impact new dwelling for clients who will live on site and continue stewarding the surrounding land.
The proposal retains the barn’s agricultural character and relationship to the landscape, while introducing a carefully considered new envelope using timber and standing-seam metal cladding. The design balances conservation priorities with modern performance standards, accessibility requirements, and Passivhaus-informed principles to deliver a comfortable, durable and energy-efficient home.
The scheme is being developed through early pre-application engagement, ensuring alignment with National Park planning policy, landscape sensitivity and conservation expectations ahead of a full planning application.
The design retains the barn’s original form and roofline, with interventions focused on repair, accessibility and improved performance rather than wholesale replacement. New elements are deliberately legible, allowing the historic agricultural character of the building to remain clearly expressed.
Externally, the palette is restrained and robust. Timber cladding is used on secondary elevations to reference traditional farm buildings, while standing-seam metal cladding in a muted, non-reflective finish provides durability and a contemporary counterpoint appropriate to the Lake District National Park setting.
The internal layout is arranged primarily on a single level to support step-free access and long-term usability. Where changes in level are required by site topography, gentle ramps or a platform lift are introduced to maintain inclusive access throughout the home.
Living spaces are oriented to maximise daylight, views and passive solar gain, with careful window placement and simple shading strategies used to balance winter warmth with summer comfort. Practical utility, storage and workshop spaces are integrated to support the clients’ ongoing role as stewards of the land.