CDC Studio

The site sits within a conservation area, straddling both the village framework and the green belt. The red brick barn sits on the south east corner and is prominent on Camps Road, with the smaller, timber thatch barn situated along the northern boundary. The thatch barn was 2.9m wide and divided into four small stalls. Whilst it had charm, the barn was in poor condition not easy to integrate into a house.

A heritage statement and initial planning pre app identified the two barns as local non heritage assets (NHA).

Obtaining Planning permission was a challenge - the thatch barn was to be retained but sensitively extended to create livable space. Our solution was to create a home of part rebuilt thatch barn and part contemporary structure. This new gabled structure folds, revealing views of the original barn from Camps Road, subservient to the existing building. The new dwelling is set into the ground ensuring the gable of neighbouring Chetwyn House remains visible and prominent.

The strategy for the external materials took inspiration from the local area and Bartlow – dark black cladding , red brick and semi knapped flint. The black zinc of the main folded roof nods to the agricultural metal clad structure and black timber boarded architecture. It was selected to age and weather with the other materials.

Though the original thatch was water reed, this was replaced with long straw, as requested by the planners to ensure is in keeping with the thatch of the area. The doors and windows are all triple glazed aluminium and timber framed.

The character of the thatched barn is emphasised by embracing its full height to the ridge, offering modest guest rooms wrapped in painted timber boarding. The height helps to overcome the rooms’ narrow nature, with integrated wardrobes, back panels, and pegs for hanging making them supremely functional. A separate master suite spreads into the contemporary extension, providing dressing, bathroom and private patio areas.

The interior finishes are a pallet of concrete, brick, plaster and timber. Solid silver fir timber boarding features prominently. Imported from Austria, it is used on the ceiling, walls, stairs and first floor flooring. Inspired by trips to the Vorarlberg region, this material provides a warm honey coloured finish to contrast the external black zinc.

Crisp Detailing

The Gables received a Craftmanship Award Commendation, in the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2022.

Judges' Comments

“The building was incredibly well finished with crisp detailing – both internally and externally - which is remarkable given the numerous complicated junctions, different angles, materials and interfaces. A very beautifully put together building.”

Structural frame

The thatch barn was rebuilt with a timber frame (design by MHA Structural Design), next to concrete fin and retaining walls and a steel structure to the new folded roof. The timber infil structure is insulated with woodwool insulation, selected for its environmental credentials and thermal and acoustic mass.

Thatch Roof

The thatch roof was installed by Chris Dodson. The finish is exquisite and Chris gave valuable advice throughout the design process.

The roof is finished in 350-400mm reed thatch with a straw ridge. The original weather vane was refurbished and takes pride of place at the gable. The buildup below the thatch is based on the Dorset model, incorporating a fire rated breather membrane, 12m 60min Promat superlux thatch fireboard and two layers of thatchbat 50mm insulation. The whole house is protected by a sprinkler system.

• Award Winner : LABC Building Excellence Awards 2021 : Best Individual New Home
• Award Finalist : British Homes Awards 2021 House of the Year (up to 2,500 sq ft)
• Publication: Self Build and Design March 2022