Lake House Barns

The Lake House Barns project by Sutcliffe transformed a rundown agricultural shed into three high-end lakeside homes, each with four bedrooms.

The existing single storey shed was in poor condition and required significant strengthening works to meet current Building Regulations. The work entailed underpinning the external walls with piles and needle ground beams, as well as introducing new piles within the main building footprint to support the new first floor columns. The existing ground bearing uninsulated floor slab was replaced with a new insulated beam & block floor, with new TGI timber joists spanning between a partial steel frame and load bearing masonry at first floor. As the existing steel roof rafters needed to be conserved in place to retain original elements of the building, an innovative solution was required to raise the roof to achieve optimal head room at first floor level. This was achieved by installing new steel rafters above the existing rafters, supported on new stub
columns.

Project challenges

The below ground drainage design was also challenging given the adjacent brook and restricted surface water discharge rates imposed by the local authority. No foul sewers were in close proximity so a bio-disc solution was necessary, which subsequently discharges clean liquid into the brook.

Project outcome

A dilapidated agricultural shed has been transformed into a visually spectacular, sustainable residential development which seamlessly blends into the surrounding green belt environment. The project was challenging but collaborative working between all parties has helped to achieve success and will be put up for several awards in the near future. 6 No. new build garages were also constructed in close proximity.

The project successfully blended modern upgrades with the building’s historical features, resulting in a stunning residential development that integrates seamlessly into its green belt location.

Architect: Architecture Works
Contract value: £1M