Barn Conversion

Project summary

This beautiful but derelict 150-year-old barn in Bolnhurst, North Bedfordshire was a complex yet rewarding project to be involved in. Followed by popular TV programme ‘Grand Designs’ and Kevin McCloud, we were proud to be a part of this remarkable project. Our responsibility was with the strengthening and refurbishment aspects of the conversion, specifically the lakeside retaining wall, steel framing, and timber roof and walls.

As the programme shows, the project was far from straightforward largely due to the barn’s age and condition, demanding careful structural inspections and thoughtful interventions by our own structural engineer David Smith. David made numerous staged visits to ensure the barn was transformed into a safe, stunning home. DSA’s team of structural engineers developed bespoke solutions, including splicing in new timber sections and crafting like-for-like replacements to retain the barn’s original character.

The barn’s picturesque lakeside location added to the challenge as the retaining wall at the lake edge required significant repair. To complete this we installed an inflatable cofferdam to create dry working conditions so that essential foundation repairs could be made efficiently and safely.

Barn owners Sarah and Pip showed extraordinary resilience throughout the conversion, and we congratulate them on their relentless focus on making their dream home a reality. Overcoming challenge by challenge, they created one of the best barn conversions we’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved with.

Watch the whole episode on Grand Designs here and look out for David Smith, Structural Engineer at DSA around 10 minutes into the programme!