In the North Downs countryside in South East England, a charming timber-framed family home nestles in a wooded hillside. Combining contemporary design with traditional craft, Downland Barns was designed by McLean Quinlan, a family of architects whose work aims to express the inherent atmosphere of the site.
Downland Barns realises the clients’ vision for a home that is both modern and sustainable, yet infused with character and understated details. For instance, more than 1,000 handmade pegs were used in the construction of the timber frame.
This low-carbon home exemplifies the integration of advanced technology, renewable energy, and high-quality construction to achieve exceptional energy performance.
Inspired by rural vernacular
Downland Barns draws inspiration from the rural vernacular of its setting. Built in harmony with the surrounding bucolic landscape, the home celebrates the rustic character of a barn that once stood on the site. The oak living space takes its inspiration from the historic timber-framed barn that formed part of the original property. This 400-year-old structure was carefully dismantled, meticulously restored, and now stands to the east of the new house as a pottery studio. Any replacement wood was sourced from salvaged barns of a similar era, preserving the authenticity of its character.
Expressive and sustainable materials
The building consists of three interlinking structures. McLean Quinlan chose expressive materials and architectural styles in keeping with the area’s historic buildings, including regionally-sourced flint for exteriors walls, black timber, clay tiles, and steeply pitched roofs.
The structure was manufactured off-site using highly insulated, preassembled wood panels from sustainably managed forests. The insulation was made from wood shavings. Once assembled on-site, the walls were finished with natural clay plaster, creating a calm indoor living environment.
The sustainable timber-framed structure combines modern and traditional techniques while acting as a carbon sink.
Work, rest, and play
The clients desired a space in which to entertain family and friends, as well as sufficient guest accommodation and dedicated areas for working from home. The main living space hosts up to 50 people, reflecting the clients’ sociable lifestyle. At the heart of the home, a green oak timber-framed barn-style volume provides a warm and inviting hub, seamlessly connecting the living, kitchen, and ancillary spaces. The prepossessing oak frame is inspired by the site’s previous barn.
Daylight filters through the intricate timber framework, softly illuminating the clay plaster walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels along the south-facing wall offer sweeping views of the landscape and open onto the terrace. Their design is reminiscent of the large openings found in traditional agricultural buildings. The roof lights above the kitchen provide a constant, natural north light throughout the day.
A second barn-like volume, staggered half a level below the main living area, houses additional living space, a study, gym, and bedrooms.
Sustainable design features
Downland Barns features triple-glazed timber and aluminium windows, manufactured without PU foam. It is heated by an air-source heat pump with mechanical ventilation and heat exchange. A photovoltaic array with a Powerwall battery storage system allows the home to operate off-grid. The design utilises the site’s natural slope to maximise solar exposure. A rainwater harvesting system irrigates the garden and fields, while the woodland below the house has been rewilded.
Downland Barns is a testament to McLean Quinlan’s commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable design. This creates a warm and inviting family home that honours its natural surroundings.
