“Take an isolated hilltop barn, add some crisp modern steel and three hundred years of history and you have the rich ingredients for a contemporary barn conversion.”
Kevin McCloud
The design approach focused on preserving the integrity of the original stone structure while introducing a high quality contemporary living environment. RRA Architects applied specialist conservation techniques, including stone repair, lime repointing and the use of Cintec anchors to stabilise the historic fabric.
A key principle of the project was to intervene lightly within the existing building. Rather than altering the external appearance, the design introduces a series of carefully inserted elements that sit independently within the original structure. The essence of the project was to work with the building rather than against it, creating a contemporary standard of living described by Kevin McCloud as “Manhattan on Wye”.
Prefabricated pods were used to accommodate key functions including the kitchen, bathrooms, dressing areas and living spaces. These were manufactured off site and installed within the barn, allowing services to be integrated efficiently while maintaining the character of the original envelope.
A defining feature of the project is the raised roof, a carefully considered response to the limitations of the existing building. As no additional openings could be formed within the thick stone walls, the roof was lifted to introduce continuous linear glazing along the eaves and gable ends. This allows daylight and natural ventilation to enter from above, transforming the quality of the internal spaces while preserving the external appearance of the historic barn.
“Everywhere you look in this house the engineering is on show, stainless steel framing sits alongside centuries old oak structures.”
Kevin McCloud
Working in tandem with this, a steel floor deck was introduced to create a new upper level within the volume of the barn. This intervention provides additional accommodation while remaining visually lightweight and clearly distinct from the original structure. A section of glass flooring is incorporated above the entrance, allowing natural light to filter down into the area below and creating a striking double height impression on arrival.
Together, these interventions balance conservation with contemporary design, bringing light, openness and functionality into a traditional Herefordshire barn without compromising its character.
The result is a unique home that gained national recognition through its appearance on Grand Designs and continues to demonstrate how heritage and contemporary design can sit in easy dialogue.
“If you are prepared to invest, just look at what you can get.”
Kevin McCloud
Watch the Grand Designs episode featuring Hillcot Barn