The Cow Shed

Project Overview
Jane and Matt approached us with a clear vision to transform Martlet Barn, a Class Q agricultural building, into a warm and contemporary family home. The existing structure offered strong rural character, but required careful reimagining to create a comfortable and fully functioning living environment suited to modern life.

Working within the constraints of a tight budget and the existing barn form, our focus was on unlocking the interior potential of the space—balancing practicality with atmosphere, and retaining the authenticity of the building while introducing a refined, residential quality.

The design approach centres on contrast and restraint: celebrating the barn’s original character while layering in softness, warmth, and clarity through considered spatial planning and a pared-back material palette. Natural textures and honest finishes help to ground the interiors, allowing the scale and structure of the barn to remain present, while feeling calm and liveable.

Internally, the spaces are designed to feel open yet defined, with a strong emphasis on flow, daylight, and visual connection between key living areas. The result is a home that feels both generous and intimate—where the original agricultural character is gently reinterpreted into a cohesive and comfortable family setting.

Throughout the process, close collaboration ensured the design remained practical and cost-conscious, while never losing sight of the overall atmosphere and lived experience of the home.

The result is a thoughtful transformation that respects the barn’s rural heritage while creating a relaxed, contemporary interior designed for everyday family life.