Architecture studio Hutch Design has created a stunning holiday home called The Maker’s Barn, located on the outskirts of London. The design of this 65-square-metre rental is focused on using “natural and honest” materials that will age beautifully and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Originally a concrete pig shed, The Maker’s Barn has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thick plaster walls, timber columns, and a larch-plank roof, inspired by the local architecture, have been incorporated into the design. These elements not only add character to the holiday home but also pay homage to the traditional architectural style of the area.
The name of the project, The Maker’s Barn, reflects the use of these “natural and honest” materials, as well as the bespoke fittings found inside. Handmade furniture, ceramics, kitchenware, and light shades have been carefully chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.
Rather than simply replicating the existing buildings in the area, Hutch Design has taken a contemporary approach, reinterpreting the local vernacular. The design draws inspiration from the charming thatched Tudor cottages nearby, with their visually striking roofs, prominent chimneys, and wattle and daub walls. The result is a unique and visually captivating holiday home that seamlessly blends with its surroundings.
Studio founder Craig Hutchinson explained, “We wanted to create a design that pays homage to the local architectural style while offering a fresh perspective. The Maker’s Barn is a contemporary reinterpretation that captures the essence of the area’s traditional charm.”
The Maker’s Barn is a single-story structure that is well-organized. It consists of an open space that includes a bedroom and study in the southeast, separated from the living, dining, and kitchen area in the northwest by a central concrete fireplace and chimney.
Service areas along the southern edge of the house are enclosed by rough plaster walls, while the north side features full-height glazing and sliding doors. The home opens up to the landscape through thick timber columns framing the sliding doors.
The design of the interconnected space ensures that every part of the building offers a framed view of the beautiful hills and landscape. The bedroom features a skylit shower area next to a sunken bath, providing a view of the landscape and the living room through a gap beneath a dividing bookshelf.
The angled concrete chimney between the living and bedroom areas offers glimpses through openings at different levels. The design maximizes space by placing windows and doors on the outer walls, creating larger internal cills, shelving areas, and more internal space.
In the kitchen, the parquet wooden floor transitions seamlessly to tiles, with the back wall adorned with glossy tiles illuminated by a large skylight.
The Maker’s Barn is truly a testament to the beauty of thoughtful design and the use of natural materials. It offers a serene and inviting retreat for those seeking a unique holiday experience on the outskirts of London.