2025 brought about a considerable number of interesting design projects here at Acorus, one of which being the construction of a brand-new detached dwelling: the latest project at a rural site in East Devon.
The clients and ourselves have enjoyed a hugely successful relationship over the years. We have creatively designed and secured planning approval for a number of projects that have been essential in the growth of both their businesses and their family. The latest project concerns both but certainly coincides more with the latter, replacing a disused barn with a new dwelling under permitted development rules.
This large agricultural barn stood on their agricultural holding, but its demand had fallen in recent years. However, with the growing domestic needs of the family, it provided the perfect opportunity for development into a dwelling.
At Acorus, our speciality and expertise comes in the form of the conversion of agricultural barns under ‘Class Q’ permitted development regulations. As a ‘one-stop shop’, utilising our team of architects, technicians, designers, planning experts and surveyors, a great deal can be completed in-house, giving our clients greater control over their project and allowing schemes to progress in the same hands throughout.
Following the planning approval of a proposed scheme which we prepared and submitted, we suitably demonstrated the existing steel-framed barn was suitable for conversion under Class Q. Our client requested us to explore this from the fallback position and how betterment of the building could break it free from the constraints imposed by Class Q. We put together a new scheme and design for a replacement dwelling, working closely with the clients to achieve their requirements and create a more comfortable living space.
We explored how the views from its picturesque setting could be maximised, through its orientation and well-considered fenestration. Energy efficiency was a key criteria of our clients brief, so we specified a highly insulated timber frame, utilising a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system, and a PV array. By diversifying the external materials, we could sensitively compliment the countryside and the new dwellings surroundings with vertical timber boarding at ground floor level and charcoal-grey vertical metal standing-seam cladding above and to the roof.
We designed, prepared, collated and submitted a successful planning application, which brought the clients dreams closer to reality.
Working together with the local contractor South West Design & Build, we used our expertise to prepare a detailed set of construction drawings and specifications for Building Control Approval. South West Design and Build then got to work on construction.
The journey has allowed our client to fully exploit and maximise the hidden potential of the siting of an underutilised agricultural barn, creating something genuinely special which both the client and ourselves can be proud of. The new building allows the oldest generation of the family to relax into retirement in comfort, in their brand-new bespoke dwelling, whilst remaining on the family estate in a delightful setting.
