Rookery Farm

Brief:

• To convert the existing barn to form ancillary accommodation
• to provide a link between the two buildings that complemented the structures whilst retaining their dominance

Bio: The client wished to re-develop the existing farmhouse at Rookery Farm in West Lancashire. They also wished to utilise the neighbouring brick barn to provide further living accommodation to the property which would be connected via a glazed link. The conversion of rural buildings requires a sympathetic approach to their character and setting, therefore Peter Dickinson Chartered Architects approached the scheme carefully and considerately. Existing openings were retained as were original timber elements such as trusses and beams. The link between the existing farmhouse and barn was designed to act subserviently to the two principle buildings and was timber framed and coated in neutral colours. The link was designed to provide a contemporary addition which also respected the character of the surrounding structures.

Internally, the barn is predominantly a double height space to allow a large and well lit dining room – maximising the natural lighting potential through the original cart-door openings. Further into the barn, more intimate spaces are created by introducing an intermediate first floor, creating further living accommodation and gallery balcony over the dining room below. The fittings to the existing openings were designed to be consistent with the glazed link, connecting the barn, link and farmhouse aesthetically.