The Sail Loft - Barn Conversion, North Devon
The Sail Loft
The Loft was originally used by William Braund and his team to repair sails for the boats from the local velator, later being converted into a workshop for Braunds Blinds. When the company vacated, the site and structures began falling into disrepair.
Our clients purchased the site because it was beautiful, with its stone walls and west country slate roof tiles, evidence of its historic uses and incredible patina developed over many years on the materials within. The structure came with some serious issues, including, huge holes in the roof, damp and crooked walls covered in moss and overgrown vegetation, and floors that were rotting away by the day.
The building is hidden away off South Street in Braunton, via a narrow and restricted height passageway under a neighbours property. Dating from around 1850, the original barn is a historic structure in it’s own right. Whilst not listed, our clients wished us to treat the building as if it was, carefully considering all interventions required, and saving / re-using what could be salvaged from the original building in the proposals.
Contemporary INterventions
Our proposals sought to introduce light into the property, whilst carefully retaining as much of the historic building fabric as possible.
We added a contemporary extension to maximise living space and improve connections to the courtyard garden and external covered terrace.
Existing timber sash windows and casements add charm and character to the elevations. Where possible, existing windows have been refurbished and retained.
Where windows have been replaced, the original fenestration design has been replicated as closely as possible possible.
“With the help of sympathetic, talented Architects the plans came together quickly and a new beginning began to take shape for Braunds...”
— E.Llewelyn - Client
CONSIDERED ADAPTATIONS
Through a careful and sensitive program of restoration The Sail Loft has been brought back into use, converted from a crumbling workshop into a vibrant residential space.
Architectural work undertaken at Gillespie Yunnie Architects as Project Architect
Photographs courtesy of Braund’s Sail Loft taken by Matthew J Heritage Photography
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