Old Farmstead in the UK Becomes Sustainable Family Home

Van Ellen + Sheryn Architects transformed and extended an 18th century farmstead in Dartmoor National Park, UK, into a sustainable family home, well-adapted to the surrounding wooded landscape.

A series of incoherent 1950s extensions were demolished to better emphasize the main barn-style buildings on the plot. The old milking parlor to the west of the farmhouse and barn were redesigned to provide generous accommodation options. These structures currently accommodate the bedrooms and living areas.

“To provide the level of accommodation required by the family, a single story steel framed glass structure was inserted between the farmhouse and barn,” the architects explained. “This serves a number of purposes; it creates a new heart to the building housing a contemporary kitchen and sitting room with direct access to the outside gardens, and acts as the main circulation route between the farmhouse, the barn, and the garden.”

Wood, brick and glass were the main materials employed to refurbish this remarkable home in the UK. A smart water drainage system adds to the sustainable features of the project. Images: Richard Downer Photography