Project Overview
The project is a collection of farm buildings, approximately from the 14th century to the 1960s, in Suffolk. Through Class Q, Agricultural to Residential permitted development, we were able to transform the buildings. We were not interested in converting the listed barn, as we were drawn to the contemporary agricultural form.
The Drift, Abott’s Hall is an evolutionary collection of farm buildings reflecting the shift from low-energy arable to intensive mechanised farming. The adaptive reuse of the collection of farm buildings, a five aisle 14th century barn, a steel portal frame grain drying shed and steel framed grain silo, is an example of evolutionary design which seeks to revitalise the buildings’ structure and cladding in an innovative and environmentally sensitive way.
The frame of each building has been retained with the insertion of a Douglas frame primary structure to create a passive standard dwelling into the shed and the original structure of the silo has been enhanced with the insertion of regenerative materials inserted into the structure whist maintaining the form and historic grain chutes.
The site was a vacant collection of buildings falling into disrepair. With the introduction of Class Q planning legislation, the buildings were permitted to be changed to residential use. The listed historic barn was a sensitive issue and permission was granted on the premise that an economic use be applied to the barn. The barn will become a cultural venue to provide mixed usage and a vital component to the site’s rural revitalisation.
Specific Aims:
Aesthetic qualities and cultural integration
The adaptive reuse approach seeks to maintain the agricultural aesthetic as closely as possible, to create a dwelling which is discreet, an example of agri-industrial architecture. The design methods respect the framework and language of the buildings whilst meeting Part L requirements of natural daylight and overheating.
The silo elevations reflect the linear grain revolving shafts, with no small openings in the principal elevations, reflecting the majestic quality of the silo.
It is a requirement of planning to maintain the agricultural quality as well as the agricultural landscape with the banning of any boundary fences and any domestic features.
The introduction of the winter garden provides a transitory liminal zone not only climatically but also demonstrates the relationship between the two skins of the buildings, the original and the intervention of the new timber-framed house.
Why Sisalwool
We were drawn to the material because of its environmental qualities, breathability, aesthetic look, ease to install, Scottish heritage of the material.
Benefits of using Sisalwool
Environmental impact, carbon reduction, reuse of Harris Tweed, use of sheep wool.
Installation of Sisalwool
The material was installed in the main silo space between timber studs. Above the plywood lining of 1.7 m all of the sisal is exposed, this has been much admired and the material communicates a sense of warmth.
Contractor/Installer Feedback:
Fairly easy to cut with an electric hand saw.