Barn Conversion to Holiday Cottages
We provided designs for a project relating to the conversion of two historic barns north of Mains Farm, Front Street, Ebchester.
Project Overview
The project relates to the conversion of two historic barns north of Mains Farm, Front Street, Ebchester. The proposal was to regenerate the structures into three new habitable holiday cottages including a small extension to the east gable.
The site lies within a Scheduled Monument of Vindomora Roman Fort and there are remains of a Roman Bath directly opposite the barns and within the garden of the existing farmhouse.
Given the sensitivity of the site, the Local Authority enforced an archaeological watching brief and restricted the depth of dig for the excavations associated with new ground bearing slabs and foundations. We developed our structural designs to satisfy these parameters on a challenging site.
Barn Conversion to Holiday Cottages
Local Authority, Archaeological Team, The Home Engineers (Structural)
Project Challenges
The site’s location within a Scheduled Monument meant all excavation works were tightly restricted.
The Local Authority required an archaeological watching brief and limited the depth of dig for new ground bearing slabs and foundations.
This created additional complexity in developing structural solutions that respected archaeological constraints while supporting the new use of the barns.
The Solution
We designed structural solutions tailored to the sensitive parameters set by the Local Authority.
Foundations and slab designs were adapted to minimise excavation depth while still providing adequate support for the converted buildings.
Close coordination with the archaeological team ensured that the designs could be executed without disturbing the historic remains.
The Outcome
The barns were successfully transformed into three high-quality holiday cottages while maintaining respect for the archaeological significance of the site.
The project demonstrates how sensitive design and collaboration can regenerate historic structures for modern use.
Testimonial
It is a fantastic building. Thanks for your help making the project a success. We are very happy with the outcome.