A stunning private development of four luxury homes in rural Hertfordshire, designed and incorporated within a single super structure, has been constructed using a SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) off-site system. With the structural engineering completed by Adept Consulting (UK) Ltd, with offices in Chepstow and Birmingham and being specialists in the design of structures benefiting from the use of MMC construction methods and materials.
The frame was supplied and installed by our client Bedfordshire-based Excel Structures Ltd, following the structural design of the SIP’s and Structural Timber elements by Adept Co, alongside the windows, external doors and conservation rooflights, the superstructure created for ‘The Great Barn’ development occupies the exact footprint of a former and dilapidated indoor dressage arena. Indeed, as its name suggests, a traditional architectural barn style design has been adopted and one that is befitting of its rural location.
Architectural Design: Traditional barn style.
Architects: TW-2 Architects.
Structural Engineering: Adept Consulting (UK) Ltd.
Project Managers: Benet Consulting Ltd
Main Contractor: Maxas Design & Build
Adept Client: Excel Structures Ltd – Package (Supplied & Installed) – SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels)superstructure, oak frame car port, windows, externaldoors & conservation rooflights.
The external appearance of The Great Barn is further accentuated at all four elevations through the incorporation of protruding gables that are extensively glazed in floor to ceiling height units. In terms of overall layout, The Great Barn is a development of two, two storey houses with three bedrooms that feature centrally within the superstructure, whilst the remaining two houses have been constructed over 2 ½ storeys and incorporate additional accommodation in the roof space.
Constructed by main contractors, Maxas Design & Build Ltd, with project management being coordinated by Benet Consulting Limited, the ground floor layout of The Great Barn features a main lounge, living/dining room and spacious kitchen. Indeed, not only did Maxas Design & Build initially instruct Excel Structures on the project, they were instrumental in providing contract design input into not only the superstructure, but the finishes and processes involved in delivering the project.
Commenting on behalf of Excel Structures, Managing Director, Jason Pritchard said:
“We are obviously delighted to have been involved in such a stunning development. The Great Barn is a perfect example of a fusion of a sympathetic, yet striking and timeless architectural style, with a modern and sustainable method of construction. The end result is befitting not only of its surroundings, but the vision of the developer and that of its architect.”
Architectural design by TW-2 Architects of High Wycombe, the project also features an oak frame four-bay car port, abutted with an ancillary bin and bike store. Commenting on the decision to adopt a SIPS off-site construction system for the development, Peter Knightley, Founder Director of TW-2 Architects said:
“The Great Barn was an unusual project in that the site was in close proximity to an active livery. This dictated the necessity to adopt a construction process with as little disruption as possible, making SIPS the ideal solution. In addition to benefitting from speed of build using precision-built panels and components created in a controlled environment, SIPS also delivers exceptional air tightness and is heat efficient, both of which are proven by-products of an MMC system such as SIPS.”
With the SIPS superstructure at its heart, The GreatBarn’s understated splendour emanates from its extensive roof elevations, finished in handmade claytiles and punctuated with conservation rooflights,the butted eaves of which serve to offer protectionto the black ship lapped timber cladding and darkstained windows and doors.
