Tythe Barn
This barn is situated near Maidenhead. The site of the property dates back to Elizabethan times, although the existing building was built by prisoners of war in World War II, using reclaimed materials from a dilapidated building that was on the site. The barn was used as a dance hall for many years before its conversion to a dwelling in the 1960s. The owners wanted to increase the living area and renovate the barn whilst retaining its traditional English appearance.
The building was stripped back to its original structure and was then framed up with steel and green oak. A cavity drain system was installed allowing the walls to breath. The walls ceiling and floors were insulated to current standards. Traditional materials and construction were utilized where possible. For example both new and repair works used lime mortar, green oak frames with mortice and tenon pegged joints were installed and antiqued to blend seamlessly with the existing structural oak. The traditional leaded light windows were restored. The Barn also utilises the best of modern technologies, such as a sophisticated intelligent lighting and sound system, security / fire alarm system and efficient underfloor heating, whilst the discrete design and installation retains the essential character of the building.