carl turner architects: ochre barn

‘ochre barn’ by carl turner architects, UK image © tim crocker all images courtesy of carl turner architects

the ‘ochre barn’ by london-based studio carl turner architects began as a derelict norfolk barn and was converted into a residence. the original exterior was maintained as if it were a listed historical structure and the interior has been lined with particular attention given to highlight and expose the original bull nose brick details. doors and windows have been set back to highlight the exterior detail and the roof tiles were reclaimed to maintain the vintage appearance.

dining rrom + kitchen image © jeremy phillips

an interior landscape of rectilinear forms generate internal spaces which have been conceived as buildings within a building. the linear volume contains a series of successive bedrooms and bathrooms. preferring open spaces when possible, the over-scaled furniture elements and pods rooms create an intimate scale and atmosphere. formed with sheets of reclaimed pitch pine boards and oriented strand board, the industrial aesthetic also merges with the natural, evoking the appearance of straw bales. power-floated concrete floors continue the industrial aesthetic.

(from left to right) dining area, stair to loft, kitchen image © tim crocker

this project was a self-funded initiative by the firm and used as an idea laboratory for their design principles. adhering to a limited budget, the structure is primarily self-constructed over a period of 5 years. utilization of mass-produced materials and products, free labor by employees and the implementation of creative solutions led to a final cost of 676 pounds per square meter, totaling 300,000 pounds for the entire 444 square meters.

kitchen within OSB box volumes image © tim crocker