Oxfordshire Country Conversion

The transformation of a 1800s farmstead and model dairy located above a bend in the River Evenlode, north of Wychwood Forest.

Client

Private
Architect

Woldon Architects
Photography

Jason Ingram
Completion

2023

The design restores the original fabric where possible and works with the existing structures to create a new house with site wide landscaping to increase biodiversity and reduce flood risk.

The existing dairy farm and associated machine buildings were never designed to be lived in. The typically solid construction of loadbearing stone and oak timber trusses had stood the test of time reasonably well, despite decades without care and maintenance. However, challenges remained — the presence of burrowing badgers on the site had led to significant undermining of the foundations in numerous places leading to structural settlements and areas of severe cracking. In addition, the timber trusses had suffered a historical wood worm attack, as well as ongoing decay and loss of section where water had been allowed to penetrate at failed valley gutters and through holes in the roof. The site was also in an area of elevated radon potential which required protection measures.

In order to shore up the heavy stone walls for the next 100 years, it was decided to underpin majority of the existing walls. This would minimise the risk of further settlement and strengthen beneath new lintels over openings.

A new link building was added and the dairy building was extended. These were of simple timber framed construction with small cantilever canopies to provide solar shading to the large windows full height windows.

The east wing of the dairy was completely replaced save from one flank wall and the gable end wall. A new timber wall and roof structure was designed. The existing trusses in this wing were surveyed, stored and reused to replace damaged trusses in the adjacent central wing, reusing 150 year old timbers which, if kept dry and ventilated, will serve for another 150 years. The existing cast iron columns were retained and used as a feature in one of the facades.

The result is a modern family home that meets diverse needs, while respecting the site’s natural beauty.

Awards

2024

Midland Counties IStructE Awards

Planet

Commended