Nestled in the Hampshire countryside just outside Winchester, a crumbling agricultural barn required a remarkable second life. The brief was far from straightforward. The project involved designing and constructing three residential homes within the exact footprint of the original barn. However, strict planning restrictions dictated that the existing steel frame had to remain completely untouched. This meant the entire timber frame design had to integrate seamlessly around the preserved steel skeleton. The surveying process demanded intense care and extreme accuracy, as there was absolutely no room for error. Every single beam, panel and joint had to align perfectly within the constraints of the existing structure.
Residential Conversion
Winchester, Hampshire
Precision Surveying, Timber Frame Design, Structural Timber Manufacture, Engineered Joists, Trussed Rafters
Our engineering design team rose to the challenge by carefully capturing every conceivable measurement to develop a highly technical solution. We successfully engineered a structural framework that respected the heritage of the barn while delivering exceptional modern living standards.
The comprehensive timber engineering package included precision-engineered timber frame panels alongside cantilevered sections to maximise the available space. To create a dramatic vaulted interior, we manufactured bespoke curved trussed rafters. We also integrated Glulam beams for strength and sustainability alongside metal web joists to allow for total flexibility and easy service integration for the follow-on trades.
The Winchester barn conversion is a showcase of our ability to combine tradition with innovation. By turning a highly complex architectural brief into a beautiful structural solution, what was once a derelict agricultural shell is now a characterful and high-quality residential development.
The project successfully delivered three stunning homes built flawlessly within the preserved steel skeleton of the barn. For our team, it stands as a perfect example of how great design and advanced off-site manufacturing can unlock the true potential of even the most challenging buildings.
