Making Space

The client’s request was to investigate whether the spacious barn attic of this 1930s house could be incorporated into the living area to create an additional bedroom and study, and whether a direct connection could be created to the upper floor of the house. The barn attic still contains parts of the original structure (tied beams and braces) that still serve a structural function but prevent any potential use of the attic for purposes other than storage.

The structural engineer explored the possibility of adapting this to create space for sleeping and working. By replacing the beams with two steel trusses, space is created for use as a living area.

A design was developed for this purpose: a bedroom and a study, maximizing storage space/cabinets under the sloping roof and as part of the staircase. The connecting element between the barn and the house has a conical shape. Dormer windows are not permitted on the barn roof. By giving the connecting element fanlights, an inverted dormer window is created, as it were, which provides light to both the attic and the rather dark bedroom in the front of the house.