Black Barn
Suffolk
'Although born of a modest, if not humble, building typology the submitted scheme presents itself as innovative architecture and easily raises the bar for the quality of design in rural areas.'
- Robert Scrimgeour, Senior Design and Conservation Officer, Suffolk Coastal District Council
Black Barn is a rigorously environmental 300sqm family home for a local couple who dream of living in the beautiful English countryside with their young family. The design is a modern yet sensitive interpretation of the humble black agricultural barn, many of which have scattered the East Anglian countryside for centuries. The house will be seamlessly clad in Shou Sugi Ban (charred Western Red Cedar); an ancient Japanese application of charring timber as a form of preservation; a natural, non-toxic way to enhance the longevity and beauty of wood.
Inspired by the building’s ambition to have as little impact as possible on its surroundings, the building appears as a floating sculptural form, hovering over a wild grass meadow. A dramatic roof line is cast from the large gable end opening to the south, which then tapers to North. The simple form and orientation has been designed to maximise solar heat gain and natural ventilation.
