Church Hill Barn, Suffolk. Listed Barn Conversion
Awards
The Sunday Times British Homes Awards | Winner
Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards | Winner
The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards | Finalist
The Architect’s Journal Retrofit Awards | Finalist
The Plan.it Kitchen Design Special Contest | Finalist
“David Nossiter Architects are the creative genius behind this stunning Suffolk barn conversion.”
“A dilapidated barn complex on the Essex/Suffolk borders has been rescued and restored to create this highly individual home. David Nossiter Architects’ design features open plan spaces and uses materials reclaimed from the demolition of two structures that were beyond renovation. The main gallery space is both a dramatic centrepiece of the home and is also used for community events.”
“To tackle an existing building like this, you have to take a forensic approach to create a piece of architecture within the existing structure. This is a prime example of someone knowing when to stop adding layers”
“Winner of best restoration in last year’s Sunday Times British Homes Awards, this 5,000 sq ft barn conversion by the London-based architect David Nossiter shows how cathedral-like spaces can be made liveable…”
David Nossiter is the architect behind the acclaimed award-winning Grade II Listed barn conversion at Church Hill Barn in Suffolk. This unique and ambitious contemporary project features cathedral-like spaces that artfully blend historic character with modern design.
Situated on the Essex/Suffolk borders within the picturesque landscape immortalised in the paintings of John Constable, Church Hill Barn reimagines the traditional agricultural structure. The project skilfully blends raw historic charm modern design sensibilities.
The collection of grade II Listed farm buildings forms a courtyard that was originally the home farm for the nearby Assington Hall Estate, which was destroyed by fire in the 1950s
The centrepiece is a large barn with cathedral-like proportions offering expansive views over the rural landscape.
Site Selection & Project Vision
David conducted detailed site appraisals of potential agricultural properties alongside the clients, ultimately selecting Church Hill Barn for its potential as a template for a contemporary rural home.
Other properties were either too costly or unsuitable for renovation, while the barn offered unique protections and development opportunities. During construction, the clients lived on-site in a caravan, managing much of the build.
Cruciform in plan and surrounded by a collection of smaller spaces, the barn’s original arrangement was designed to accommodate a variety of farming activities under one roof. The complex is the legacy of John Gurdon Esquire, a pioneering figure in the model farm movement.
Planning & Listed Building Consents
As a Grade II Listed building, the Church Hill Barn conversion required close collaboration with heritage officers to respect the barn’s original fabric while integrating modern, light-filled living spaces. The design carefully balanced preservation with contemporary needs, securing planning and listed building consents.
Sustainability Features
A major component of the conversion consisted of the refurbishment of the barn roof. In order to allow the existing structure to be viewed internally but still conform to modern standards of thermal performance, the roof was refurbished as a ‘warm roof construction’. That is, all of the insulation is located on the exterior of the roof above a new timber deck.
Roofing slates and timber materials were salvaged from the other agricultural structures on the site that were too decayed to be usefully reused.
The external walls were insulated with sheep’s wool and clad with larch timber, which has been left to weather naturally. The original openings have been simply fenestrated. Glazing is set back from the external wall line.
The barn conversion benefits from having a Heat recovery system (MVHR) that draws in warm up gathering in the lofty ceiling spaces and uses the energy to help heat fresh air entering the building.
Design Approach
Oversized bespoke glazed sliding doors fill the hipped gable porches of the barn. Views from the courtyard open onto meadows. Two three-metre square roof lights bring daylight deep into the interior of the eight-metre tall central spaces. Underfloor heating is assisted by a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system.
Early on during the design process it was decided to keep the spaces as open plan as possible. Polished concrete flooring flows throughout. Where necessary partitions and screens are designed as over scaled furniture. Freestanding and constructed from birch faced plywood sheets, they organise the spaces, providing privacy for bathrooms and sleeping areas.
Whilst the system of landed estates was by modern standards deeply unethical, at their best, the estates were at the hub of many rural communities. In the absence of the ‘big house’, it was proposed that the cathedral like central area of the barn be used for community events in the village. It was therefore gratifying that the village were invited to an art exhibition of the works of Dale Devereaux Barker at the property. The final result is a remarkable self-build conversion.
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Awards & Industry Recognition
Oh my word! This immense cruciform building seems to have kept much of its real self. The timber roof is the original. The old relay switches now operate lights, and yet it's architecture is all modern clarity and order”
The contemporary barn conversion has received multiple accolades including:
- The Sunday Times British Homes Award – Winner
- A Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Award – Winner
- The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards – Finalist
- Architect’s Journal Retrofit Awards – Finalist
- The Plan.It Kitchen design Special Contest – Finalist
Church Hill Barn has also been extensively published by both the mainstream and the design press, affirming David’s reputation as a notable barn conversion architect.
The project was featured as an inspirational precedent barn conversion in the Spring 2025 series of Channel 4’s television programme Grand Designs.
Thinking About Your Own Barn Conversion?
If you are considering a barn conversion of your own feel free to contact us to discuss your project
Photography by Steve Lancefield and The Modern House
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