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[21] Grade II Listed Surrey Barn Conversion With a 7.5m Atrium Walkway and Interior Pods
Map data: Google

Location

  • South East England

Build Start

  • ~2001

Architect

  • Damien Blower (Stedman Blower), Elspeth Beard

Total Floor Area

  • 263 m²
  • [Source: Estimate ]
Philip and Angela swap London for a Surrey village and a barn owned by family, then rebuild it from the inside out after a major health scare resets their priorities. The exterior stays largely historic, but the interior becomes a series of pod like rooms linked by a dramatic suspended walkway. It’s bold, expensive for what began as a free plot, and full of lessons about listed constraints, steel that will not forgive, and clients who are always on site.

Site Purchase Price

  • £ 0

Site Area

  • 1,513m²

Site Cost Per m²

  • £ 0

Initial Budget

  • £ 849,000

Total Spend

  • £ 979,600

Budget Overspend

  • 15.38%

Cost Per m²

  • £ 3,732

Site Coverage

  • 13.88%

Plot Ratio

  • 17.35%
All Figures Indexed To
  • 02 May 2025

Construction Type

  • Foundation, Steel Frame, Timber Frame

Materials

  • Concrete, Douglas Fir, Oak, Steel, Wood

Features

  • Atrium, Cantilever, Decking, Fireplace, Flitch Beam, Healthy Living, High Ceilings, Renovation

Philip and Angela swap London for a Surrey village and a barn owned by family, then rebuild it from the inside out after a major health scare resets their priorities. The exterior stays largely historic, but the interior becomes a series of pod like rooms linked by a dramatic suspended walkway. It’s bold, expensive for what began as a free plot, and full of lessons about listed constraints, steel that will not forgive, and clients who are always on site.

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Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 1
Understand Heritage Constraints

When dealing with listed buildings, fully comprehend the restrictions and guidelines set by local heritage authorities. Planning consent may be slow and require extensive groundwork, so factor this into your timeline.

  • Planning Permission, Regulations

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 2
Plan For Dual Design Elements

Blending modern architecture with traditional structures can create tension in the design process. Be prepared for design headaches by collaborating closely with architects who have experience with historic conversions.

  • Design, Working With Others

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 3
Maintain Clear Communication

Establish and maintain open lines of communication among all team members, including the architect, contractor, and builders. Regular meetings can help ensure everyone is on the same page, allowing for timely adjustments and coordination.

  • Working With Others

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 4
Monitor The Budget Closely

Be aware that renovation projects can frequently exceed initial budgets and timelines. Keep a detailed record of costs and stay alert to potential increases in labour and material expenses.

  • Budget

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 5
Consider Living Amidst Construction

Living on-site during the build can be beneficial for oversight but also adds stress and can slow down progress. Establish clear ground rules to minimise disruptions and maintain a good working relationship with the contractors.

  • Time Management

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 6
Leverage Technology

Utilising modern technology for project management can enhance organisation and efficiency. Tools such as digital diaries, scheduling apps, and building plans help keep everything structured.

  • Technology

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 7
Prepare For The Emotional Toll

Renovating a home is mentally and emotionally taxing. Recognise the potential stressors involved and have strategies in place to manage tension within relationships and family dynamics during the build.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 8
Focus On Future-Proofing

Plan for technological needs too; consider future-proofing your home with adequate wiring and infrastructure to accommodate evolving tech requirements.

  • Design

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 9
Be Flexible With Designs

While having a vision is essential, be prepared to adapt designs as the build progresses. Old structures may have unforeseen issues that can lead to changes in the plan.

  • Design

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 10
Document Changes Through Visuals

Photos of different construction stages offer a visual reference for outlining progress and making adjustments. It’s also a useful tool for future renovations.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 11
Prioritise Natural Light And Views

When designing a home, carefully consider the placement of windows and the overall layout to maximise natural light and views, particularly in bedrooms.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 12
Respect The Original Structure

Pay homage to the original character of the building during renovations. Striking a balance between old and new designs is key, ensuring that the building’s history is preserved and honoured.

  • Design, Regulations

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 13
Invest In Quality Materials

Higher-quality, sustainable materials may have a higher upfront cost but provide long-term benefits in terms of durability, efficiency, and overall wellbeing.

  • Budget, Materials

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 14
Consider Health And Wellbeing

Incorporate eco-friendly materials, good ventilation, and natural finishes into the design, prioritising the health of your household and the environment.

  • Reflections

Grand Review

  • 21

Lesson Learned

  • 15
Seek Experienced Professionals

Choose builders and architects with proven experience in similar projects, especially those who understand the nuances of working with historical structures.

  • DIY, Professional, Working With Others

Acknowledgment:

This is a non-commercial review carried out for the purposes of study in developing an understanding of the requirements of self-build in the UK.

The views and opinions expressed are my own and is not affiliated in any way with Grand Designs or Channel 4.  All information on this page has been gathered from publicly available sources.

The plot/site information was located using Land Registry and The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Data which contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The lessons learned are derived from my interpretations and observations of a publicly disseminated case study and are in no way meant to be a substitute to the original.

Click here to view the original case study on the Channel 4 website.

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