Location: Briston
Client: Private
Status: Planning
Type: Barn Conversion/ Development
Set on the northern edge of Briston, the historic barns at Manor Farm stand alongside the Grade II listed farmhouse, once home to the renowned conservationist Richard Waddingham. For generations the buildings formed part of a working farm, but as agricultural practices evolved, many of the barns gradually fell into disuse, with later additions obscuring much of their original character.
Our proposals seek to reveal and celebrate this remarkable collection of historic buildings. Years of unsympathetic alterations, including extensive asbestos-clad structures, are removed to uncover the original eight barns, each with its own distinct character and craftsmanship. The scheme carefully restores and converts these buildings into eight new homes, complemented by three contemporary barn-inspired dwellings that complete the wider farmstead.
The masterplan is about more than restoring buildings; it creates a new rural community that remains connected to its surroundings. A pedestrian-friendly internal street links the homes directly to the village and nearby public transport, encouraging walking while reinforcing the traditional farmyard character of the site.
The landscape plays an equally important role. Existing habitats are protected and enhanced through the restoration of the large pond, new areas for wildlife and carefully considered measures to support the bats and owls that already call the barns home. The result is a place where heritage, biodiversity and contemporary living are treated as equally important parts of the design.
Architecturally, the project adopts a clear and honest approach to old and new. The restored barns retain their agricultural character, while the contemporary additions draw inspiration from the simple forms of traditional farm buildings without seeking to imitate them. Echoing the evolution of the farmhouse itself, where historic ranges are distinguished by different roof materials, the original barns remain roofed in traditional red pantiles, while the new buildings are expressed in black standing seam metal. This subtle contrast creates a legible dialogue between historic and contemporary architecture, allowing each to retain its own identity while contributing to a cohesive whole.
