Hard to Find Farm

Works have begun to redevelop a collection of listed farm buildings near High Wycombe. With five barns in total to convert, our client requested a range of uses for the properties including a flexible business unit, offices, and residential units. As with many listed building projects, the key challenge presented to the SOLID team was to remain true to the heritage in our structural design, preserving materials and original features wherever possible.

Sympathetic Conversion to Listed Buildings

During the planning and design process our team worked closely with local planning officers, our client and architects, West Waddy Arcadia, to find the appropriate balance between old and new. Externally, to ensure a sympathetic conversion that respects the character of the original properties, details such as salvaged sand-faced roof tiles and black powder-coated metal rainwater goods will be implemented. Internally we have utilised existing frames and reused the foundations that remained viable. Where new foundations are required, we have propped the existing timber frames to protect them and have then proceeded to dig the new foundations around the frame.

Traditional Repair Techniques

Sadly, there has been some decay within the barns and not all the original materials are viable. Wooden trusses, for example, have fallen into disrepair. However, rather than replace all timber trusses we have worked hard to repair and maintain the original where possible. Traditional repair techniques have been used on those that were suitable and the reinstatement of missing frame components are being made to match the original timber and joint detailing.

Civil Engineering

We have started our civil engineering involvement on the project by ensuring the road layout can accommodate the safe access of a refuse vehicle. Working closely with West Waddy Archadia we have been running a series of swept path analysis.

Next, we have developed a complete 3D model of the proposed levels, in order to provide a wider perspective on site constraints as well as full potential and capabilities.

Finally, we have successfully liaised with the drainage officer, providing calculations and supportive information in order to demonstrate the proposed soakaway sizes are effective and practical.   

Thanks to Director Adrian and Civil Engineer Theo for the update on the project. The SOLID team look forward to updating you further over the coming months. If you are looking for a structural or civil engineering team for your own heritage project why not contact us to see how we can help?