RU R A L RE T R E A T
‘The Stables’ in Epping, Essex, is a secluded building that was initially part of a farm. Clear Architects has been involved in construction works here on two separate occasions, dramatically and consistently improving the layout and functionality of this converted barn. In this Q&A, Melanie Clear, Founder of Clear Architects, talks to i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, about the contemporary design of the brick-built, late 19th-century barn. RK: W aQ "IB Ee d q)V Q) Qa e )" Q I BE) e c Q O MC: We have been involved
with this project for over 15 years for two different owners. It’s a beautiful barn conversion in an area of green belt land, which is what our practice specialises in. Our expertise has dramatically improved the living space for our clients. When they bought the property, they knew they wanted to make changes to improve the layout and create more space. We had worked on earlier modifications to the house, so we understood the restrictions. However, changes in the construction industry and planning over time meant that we could push the boundaries of what design would allow. I B U I L D m J U LYm * *
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RK: H)k d d q)V c )!b "e Q e )E g "a b V d "g I IQq e k Q Q e e pQe "I )" O MC: We added contemporary
glazed extensions and zinc-clad dormers, which complement the existing brickwork and accentuate the beauty of the original barn whilst providing modern aesthetics.
RK: W aQ kaI Q e j I )" a"d "IB EaQ )" b e "d Q I Ee ")jaQ )" O MC: To create as much space
as possible within the planning parameters and to make the firstfloor accommodation match the high quality of the ground floor. We wanted to open up the space to create a much larger master suite and a double-height entrance hall to flood the internal spaces with