Casswell Bank Architects

A lean and sensitive renovation of a distinctive agricultural building

The Linney at Rye Park in North Devon comprises the repair, upgrade and alteration of an old stone barn dating from the 1820s into a new family home and garden. Linneys are an agricultural building type found in the Southwest of England traditionally used to house cattle. Whilst their construction and appearance vary, reflecting the local materials and skills to hand, all linneys are characterised by a hay loft above an open fronted feeding room. Purchased in dilapidated condition, the family was open to the idea of creating a less conventional, more open living situation. Our approach was steered by the notion of camping out in a rudimentary space.

The modest grandeur of the Apulian farmhouse created by Patience Gray (an original thinker, gardener, cook and writer) from a cow barn was an inspiring reference for how a provisional domestic life can be full of richness. Combining this idea with the found qualities of the linney, the building was reconfigured to create one double height living and cooking space. The central stone wall was removed, an insulated ground slab was cast and a timber platform constructed within the old stone walls. A series of smaller spaces above and below the new platform have varying degrees of openness to the main room. The glazing is deliberately set behind the massive masonry walls to preserve the limestone arches and allow them to be experienced from the inside.

A lean palette of natural, breathable materials were used to repair and rebuild the existing building. Local rough sawn structural timbers and plank are applied directly. Compressed wood fibre insulation and lime plasters line the inner face of the stone. Natural light and ventilation are maximised through external sliding doors, a high-level window inserted in the gable and two large roof lights.

A significant amount of the modest budget was spent on repairing and repointing the existing stone walls and arches in lime mortar. Characterful bespoke furniture pieces were designed, including an alternating tread staircase and balustrade that incorporates timber spindles salvaged from the old hay racks. Click on the link below to read David Grandorge’s review in Architecture Today.

THE LINNEY, ARCHITECTURE TODAY 2020

SPECIFICATIONS

• Client: Private
• Date: 2016 - 2020
• Location: Rye Park, Bratton Fleming
• Local Authority: North Devon District Council
• Gross Floor Area: 68 sq.m
• Photography: David Grandorge
• Published: Architecture Today, 2020 
• Reference Image Credit: Patience Gray’s farmhouse in Apulian, photo Miranda Gray
• Awards: Winner AJ Retrofit Awards 2021 - House under £250,000 category