My Barn Conversion … musings in small-house, off-grid, architecture, design with smatterings of art, history and literature

Now often quoted in building or building part specification, a U-value is placed upon an assembly of components to rate how well that assemblage performs in terms of energy efficiency. It is important to note that the U-value relates to the performance of the assemblage as a whole. For example, the U-value of a window…

After my ‘introduction to lime’ course I have a great fear that I may be joining the ranks of sustainable / healthy / traditional / vernacular building fanatics – those guys who, have a glint in their eye (perhaps caused by a small fleck of caustic lime) and a passion in their speech when discussing…

I’m going on a course tomorrow to learn the basics of using lime, with a view to working on the pointing of the stonework at the barn myself. I’m going to take copies of some photo’s of the stonework which might help in asking sensible questions. I’m quite proud of my pretty stones (at least…

Through recent technological innovations it is now possible to insulate buildings to such an extent that no heating system is required to maintain comfortable temperatures. There are varying categories of super insulated buildings. Zero Heat Building This category of building, through insulation and draft proofing, requires no additional heat source, except for in extreme conditions.…

Today’s job was clearing our fine collection of rocks to one side of the yard. I’d always coveted the small sea of rough rocks and dressed stones that covered the concrete yard to one side of the barn. When they were left in place when we completed the purchase I felt I’d somehow got better…

Rainwater harvesting is one of those simple concepts that reminds us of old-fashioned sensibilities. Basically, it entails the collection of the rainwater that falls onto a roof, the storage of that water and its utilisation for domestic purposes. The water is collected by normal roof gutters then passed through a filter to remove dirt, leaves…

With a big shed to convert into habitable accommodation, you’d think we’d have plenty to do without gardening. Regardless, we’ve spent the last few weekends clearing brambles and establishing footpaths through the piece of scrub woodland that we bought along with the barn. Very satisfying when liberating trees from the brambles that have engulfed them…

Answer these: Question: So once you’ve started, who will bring it all together? Question: Can you handle the potential loss of control of the project of delegating some responsibilities? Question: Do you have the experience to bring together such a complex project? Question: Will the role be fulfilled by you or someone you pay (an…

That’s what’s great about the outdoors you know, it’s like one giant toilet. Jeff Goldblum, The Big Chill, 1983. …dedicated to Cheryl, she knows why.

There is an update to this post at … VAT for barn convertors update December 2007 Having been confused by the VAT treatment around barn conversions for some time, I thought I’d better get the situation clear before going any further. This is a summary of the VAT situation currently: Conversion of a building to…

We never really had any great green aspirations when we started out on this project. Our design priorities were mainly aesthetic rather than practical. Our goal was to build a beautiful place to live. As the design has taken shape, it has grown to incorporate many features that are considered green or ecological. Highly specified…

Having weighed up the pros and cons over the past few months of employing an architect in a ‘full service’ capacity we’ve decided to go it alone. It’s not been an easy decision and is at least in part driven by the fact that I’ve not managed to find anyone who is able to offer…