Four-Bedroom Barn-Style Self Build House Plans

Rick and Julie Anderson replaced a former chicken shed with a beautiful, contextual two-storey home within the Kent countryside. Originally set on purchasing a bungalow by the sea, family connections led to the discovery of the plot, which had outline planning permission for a single-storey barn.

Envisaging a sustainable two-storey home, the couple enlisted architect James Rich of local firm JRD Architects to bring their vision to life. The Andersons had a clear idea about how they wanted the house to look and perform. “We  discussed with James that we wanted a home as close to Passivhaus standards as possible,” says Julie. However, they were keen to be practical about where they spent their money. “We were willing to make compromises with items such as an air source heat pump,” says Julie. “We eventually went with a gas boiler.”

see the home

Aesthetically, low-maintenance solutions were the order of the day. “We wanted lots of glass, local Kentish ragstone at the bottom level of the building, plus cladding that we could hose down and not have to paint every year,” says Julie. “Internally, we were keen on oak accents in the main areas, such as the roof trusses and staircase.”

James’s final plan took inspiration from local rural architecture mixed with some contemporary details. “This involved combining bold forms with traditional materials in order to deliver the clients’ vision,” he explains. The main front and rear elevations showcase extensive triple glazing, complemented by durable composite Hardieboard cladding and low-maintenance concrete roof tiles. These were specifically selected for their longevity, affordability and minimal future upkeep requirements.