JDDK Millmount News - Winter Edition 2023 - Magazine - Page 7
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“We are over the moon with Holly Hall Barn and its recognition at
the AT Awards. It’s a testament to everyone who worked on the
project. This beautiful home will be treasured for years to come.”
Tristan Cooper
Associate Director
Hexham barn renovation highly commended at the AT Awards 2023
Nestled in the heart of idyllic Northumberland countryside, the recently renovated Holly
Hall Barn has undergone a remarkable transformation, earning Highly Commended for
Excellence in Architectural Technology at the AT Awards 2023. With sweeping panoramic
views of the Tyne Valley, the former agricultural building has been given a new lease of life
by the JDDK team, led by Director Nicky Watson and Tristan Cooper, Associate Director.
Originally converted from a barn into a single dwelling in 1977, the
property has seen few changes since. Recognising its potential,
the new owners worked with JDDK to blend the building’s historical
charm with modern living.
The project scope was extensive, with one of the standout features
being the complete refurbishment of the entrance hall. Previously
an unwelcoming, cramped space with a spiral staircase and limited
functionality, the entrance has been transformed into a bright, airy,
and characterful introduction to the home. Functionality was further
improved by replacing the spiral staircase with a safer straight 昀氀ight
alternative, and through the addition of a boot room extension which
is conveniently connected to the entrance hall.
In the main living space whole sections of the glazed external
wall now open behind the barn’s original stone arches, blurring the
boundary between inside and out. At either end of the room, triple
glazing is set into the arches, which have been lined with oak faced
ply. “Floating” oak window seats spanning the width of each arch
create inviting and comfortable spaces to sit and look out onto the
stunning views over the Tyne valley, the sitter feeling cosseted and
cosy, surrounded by the natural wood 昀椀nishes.
Sustainability remained front of mind throughout the renovation
process. High-performance double and triple glazed windows
and doors were installed throughout, while the external walls
received insulation upgrades. A wood pellet boiler replaced
the previous oil-fed system, and there are PV panels on the
garage roof. Timber was chosen where possible for structural
elements due to its lower embodied carbon compared to steel.
Commenting on the sustainable design choices, the AT Awards
judges said: “A 昀椀ne attention to detail with 昀椀ne modelling and a
detailed focus on the PSI values was the driving force behind this
sustainable design. Innovative structural solutions involving existing
stone buttresses and new metal tie rods have been sensitively
designed into the original 1860 barn’s structure.”
Winter 2023. Millmount. 7