Project of Choice 2024: Grade 2 Rural Development

At the close of 2024, all Wilson Architects team members took a moment to reflect on their favourite property project of the year.

Senior Architectural Technologist, Matt Padley ’s stand out project of 2024 was a grade 2 listed rural development.

The proposal for this Grade II rural development included converting the existing plots, by splitting the 2 barns on plots 6-9 (not initially included in planning permission) into 4 houses. Planning Permission was secured February 2024 to convert the two additional barns on plots 6-9 into four houses.

Matt headed the contemporary barn conversion, within the curtilage of a Grade II listed building, using Class Q principles. It had a very short design period – 3 weeks from concept to planning submission. Matt has been working on the project since 2023.

“I really enjoy bringing new life to old buildings so this type of project is exactly the type I love working on. It’s not always straightforward to convert existing buildings into new dwellings,” Matt explained, “There are often various planning constraints to overcome long before you get into the practicalities of converting buildings that were originally intended for a different use and have been left vacant for years.”

The Hall Farm Barns site complements the rich history of the Twyford hamlet, nestled on the border of Twyford Hall, which is a separate property and not part of Hall Farm Barns.

To honour this historic heritage, a sympathetic restoration and renovation were planned to honour the story of the site. This allowed the walls and plots 1-5 original structure o be kept as it was. This was also in addition to the existing outside brick.

“These types of buildings often have features and character that aren’t seen in buildings today. So re-developing them gives the opportunity for these details to remain for generations to come.” Matt said.

Matt reconfigured the plots to feature a detailed U-Shaped courtyard after evaluation of the extensions and walls. The featured classical courtyard showcases a mixture of attractive single and two storey elements for the delight of occupants.

“Working with old buildings takes a lot of careful detailing and research into suitable materials as often modern methods of construction cannot be used. Old buildings also need sensitive structural and thermal upgrading to ensure they meet the latest Building Regulations whilst retaining the character of the building.” Matt said, highlighting the rebuffed planning application to demolish plots 6-9, which will now undergo a restoration and renovation.

“These technical challenges always keep us on our toes and often requires wider discussions in the office to broaden our collective experience and knowledge – rarely is a project the same when working with old buildings!”