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19092 MEV001 D01

Traditional Homes

Contemporary Barn in Greenbelt

Replacing an existing industrial unit on this rural site, Court Barn sought to reflect the agricultural aesthetic of the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside, and sensitively assimilate within its greenbelt setting. A sympathetic approach was required, to ensure the five-bedroom property maintained a diminutive presence in the wider context, whilst also being architecturally striking.

Designed around a courtyard garden – taking reference from a traditional agricultural barn arrangement – the property utilises pitched roof forms and traditional materiality, including brick and stone detailing around carefully curated openings. Key contemporary features – including flinched steel oak beams and metal glazing – are woven in, to elevate the design, offering an elegant and modern aesthetic.

The open plan single-storey kitchen and dining space – adjacent to a double height hall – form a striking principal series of spaces upon entry, maximising long distance views through the house, out to the private courtyard garden, and surrounding fields beyond - placing the wider landscape up front and centre in the design, from all aspects.

A full Interior Architecture package by Anderson Orr celebrates warmth and texture, with exposed stone and oak featuring throughout. The peaceful rural setting is as much of a centrepiece of the house, as the spaces themselves - a wildflower sedum roof introduces seamless and verdant views from the first floor, down to the secluded, sunken courtyard garden, which offers a unique space of quiet reflection.

  • Tag Architecture Tag Interior Architecture Tag Visualisation
Project Details
Project Name Court Barn
Project Reference 19092
Planning Consultant JPPC Chartered Town Planners
Main Contractor Self Build
Structural Engineer Centrespace Design
Interior Architecture Anderson Orr
Landscape Design Portus + Whitton
Photography © Andrew Beasley