Willowbrook Byre

Byres are naturally open to the historic yard and enclosed to the land beyond. Unfortunately, this utility in their agricultural life significantly limits their liveability when in domestic usage.

Too many byre conversions are defined by blinds on every window seeking privacy from a communal yard often shared by multiple units as well as visitors.

Breaking that rear wall is fundamental, but in doing so we looked to not lose the feeling of enclosure that offers a sense of safety to the owners, while also defining the history of the site. As such, a flat link was utilised and a new outbuilding formed which, when viewed from the public realm, looked like a shed but was open to the private gardens to maximise the connection between the converted byre, garden wider countryside beyond.

Photography by Pete Helme