Set on the tranquil banks of the River Tees, this barn conversion transforms a traditional agricultural shell into a contemporary, industrial-inspired residence. Retaining the building’s original scale and simple form, the design introduces crisp, modern interventions that respect the rural context while delivering a distinctly contemporary home.

Key features

• Exterior: Vertical timber cladding gives the exterior a warm, tactile quality, weathering naturally to sit comfortably within the landscape. Clean lines and minimal detailing emphasize the barn’s original geometry while new openings frame views across the river.

• Materiality: A restrained palette of natural timber, exposed steelwork and engineered concrete creates an industrial aesthetic balanced with rural warmth. High-performance glazing and discreet insulation measures ensure comfort and efficiency without compromising the building’s character.

• Interior: Open-plan living spaces exploit the barn’s volume, with exposed trusses and structural elements celebrated as architectural features. Simple, robust finishes—raw timber floors, metal staircases and concrete surfaces—provide a contemporary backdrop for flexible family living.

• Connection to site: Large glazed panels and sliding doors fold back to connect interior spaces with riverside terraces and lawned areas. Sightlines to the river and surrounding farmland are prioritised, creating a calm, contemplative relationship between home and landscape.