2025 MASTER BUILDER AWARDS
Large Renovation — Preece & Sons (Carpentry) Limited
Blending an old barn’s rustic charm with contemporary design elements, Worcestershire-based Preece & Sons transformed the building into a functional, stylish living space that combined traditional character with modern comforts. Following a recommendation from a previous client, the new owners were advised to obtain detailed working drawings to clarify every aspect of the build. Preece & Sons brought in a trusted architect to finalise the design and oversee planning approvals, ensuring the project honoured its historic roots. Project highlights ● The metal spiral staircase draws the eye upon entering, acting as a striking
feature that marries modern flair with the barn’s rustic character. ● A unique curved en-suite, originally intended as a small kitchen, was redesigned to create a wet room. ● Original oak beams were retained and additional beams introduced for aesthetic appeal. ● The kitchen’s curved Crittall doors – over three metres wide and three- and-half metres high – flood the space with natural light. ● Two-toned hardwood flush casement windows complement the overall design. ● Wet underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump provides a more environmentally friendly and
future-proof solution. ● A car charger for electric vehicles enhances the barn’s sustainable credentials. Challenges that were overcome A key challenge involved upgrading the insulation to ensure the air source heat pump could operate efficiently, a difficult task when retrofitting an older barn structure. Achieving the necessary U-values required meticulous planning and installation to avoid compromising the building’s character. Another significant hurdle arose with the extensive oak replacement work at the front and rear of the barn. To carry out these repairs safely, the team had to prop up the roof and walls, ensuring the structure remained stable throughout the process. A further complication emerged during drainage excavations near the neighbour’s fence, where an unexpected smell of oil suggested a potential leak from the adjoining property’s tank. Ground samples showed that the issue was localised, avoiding the need to remove the new floors for the subsoil to be excavated. From the judges ● “It feels like a building you’d be proud to enter, let alone work on, so props to the whole team.” ● “This is a stunning transformation of an old barn into a sustainable, beautiful home.”
Large Renovation sponsored by
27
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker