Classic Outbuildings With Living Space – Award Winning Builders
The Classic Barn Company are renowned specialists in the design and build of classical oak-framed outbuildings. These unique, modular and bespoke buildings can cater for a multitude of needs – from extra accommodation provided by their room above designs to bespoke garage complexes, equestrian stables and outbuildings for many different purposes.
Award Winning Builders
The Classic Barn Company, with their range of accommodation buildings, are experienced and award-winning specialists in the design, engineering and building of bespoke oak-framed buildings. As accredited members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, The Classic Barn Company was also shortlisted last year for a prestigious design award, based on their traditional handmade joinery projects. They’ve also been featured on some well-known television programmes with their room above garage buildings and often feature in a variety of renowned national and specialist home and interior magazines, as well as contributing to well-regarded industry publications. One of their recent achievements was being asked to design and construct a new barn and equestrian facility for the Riding for the Disabled Association in Hertfordshire. The project was later honoured by a visit by HRH The Princess Royal, who is President of the RDA.
‘We are award-winning specialists in the design, engineering and building of oak-framed structures’
Full Project Solutions
The Classic Barn Company designs provide a wide range of solutions to a huge number of building projects, from traditionally proportioned and designed oak-framed garages to habitable room above outbuildings. Their classic outbuildings are used for collector’s classic cars, office and guest accommodation, as additional leisure rooms or are often specifically designed to be used as stabling and equestrian facilities for horses. Director Andrew Guppy explains ‘Our design team often accommodate requests for a variety of usages within one building and we are very used to providing a bespoke solution to each clients individual needs’. Their turnkey projects cover every step of the journey, from the original design consultation to the implementation of the build. Architectural landscaping and lighting can be included within the projects, and design details to reconcile the new buildings with the existing property features are also carefully considered.
Inside Room Above Oak Garage
Outbuildings and Garages plus Accommodation
Even though the oak-framed barns, additional spaces, storage areas and so on are created for entirely practical needs, The Classic Barn Company designs buildings that retain a traditional air and which sit well within their surroundings, purposefully designed to enhance the principle property. The oak-framed buildings use traditional mortise and tenon joints, needless to say, for time-honoured reasons. The joints themselves are a noted feature of each build, and allow the traditional oak frame to hold it position whilst gradually settling with age. Hand-carved curved beams are a highly sought-after feature and look delightful within the open-span roofs. Director Andrew Guppy explains how their range of Room Above Outbuildings was developed as an addition to their portfolio and adds habitable accommodation with a heightened level of bespoke detailing. To summarise, Room Above designs begin as a modular frame, which is then fine-tuned and tweaked by the design team to become an individually bespoke extra room above tailored to the clients budget. These room above garages with accommodation are perfect guest rooms for family and friends, and are considered to be an investment for the future, as well as providing space and convenience to any home. Some are used as holiday lets to generate income. He adds ‘All our living space designs are very highly specified regarding insulation and ventilation, are finished to a high standard of interior design, and are considered to add style, comfort and practicality to a busy household’.
‘Our oak buildings have a unique sense of individuality and will continue to appeal to future generations’
Architectural Design
The Classic Barn Company has an all-encompassing approach to each project … of course they take great pleasure in designing oak framed solutions to suit individual settings and landscapes, so it follows that their mind-set reaches beyond the actual buildings. The design team will ensure that architecturally, the project sits within it’s surrounding and will advise and design all further aspects of the landscaping, planting, paving and other surfaces, as well as incorporating the important aspects of lighting and power supplies. Many of their projects are extensive and take the concept of outbuildings to another level, so when structures such as pool houses, gyms, yoga rooms and guest accommodation are involved, their approach has to come from an architectural as well as creative viewpoint. 😊
‘We offer both architectural design and planning services’
Planning & Building Regulations
Anyone interested in adding new buildings and accommodation to their property will always have questions regarding Planning Permission and Building Regulations; The Classic Barn Company are experts in providing such advice and are particularly knowledgeable regarding properties that are either in sensitive areas or indeed are part of a property that is listed. Their full architectural design and planning service includes submission of client-approved drawings to the relevant planning office. As far as Building Regulations compliance is concerned the team will also provide advice and liaison with the relevant inspectors. Director Andrew Guppy confirms that their no-nonsense guide to gaining Planning Permission explains how planning is always based upon a properties individual circumstances. He adds ‘Our balanced and experienced approach involves communicating directly with the Planning officer involved … We explore and discuss the design possibilities of the project based upon their planning regulations, and this may sometimes include amendments to the design or even the orientation of the proposed outbuilding. Our aim is always to maintain our clients aspirations and to produce a design that is beautiful, fulfils all our client’s wishes, and which is also within the planning parameters and in keeping with the location’. However, he also points out that Planning Permission isn’t always required as in some cases a single storey structure can be built providing it falls within the parameters and allowances of Permitted Development. It’s also reassuring to be told that all members of the design team are au fait with the latest rules and regs, and are available to have a general chat about the proposed project before a more formal consultation and detailed discussions.
One Contractor Accountability
New turn-key projects from The Classic Barn Company are treated as individual design concepts with one-contractor accountability. As a result, each project is highly focussed, clients will see the same team members throughout the duration of the project, and consequently there is a sense of all-round continuity. It’s very clear that Andrew Guppy has a very serious commitment to delivering a service that creates oak buildings of lasting beauty and a unique sense of individuality, combined with traditional design and craftsmanship and of course, longevity. There is also a strong desire to keep on developing their design skills and details … these aren’t just ‘barns’ or ‘garages’ or ‘additional rooms’, the projects may well include pool buildings, home extensions, stables or other combinations of leisure rooms and facilities. It seems that the possibilities are endless …
Where Can You See Projects?
Many of The Classic Barn Company’s projects are based throughout the Southern counties of the UK. With a new regional office in Ascot, Berkshire, Andrew Guppy and his team can arrange for potential clients to visit a completed project so the build quality and design detail can be admired in close-up, and the proportions and possibilities of their own future projects can be discussed. Further information and to request a design appointment or brochure, visit their website and submit an enquiry outlining your project requirements.
