Sandy Rendel Architects extends a listed 16th-century barn in Kent

This oak-framed barn in Kent dates from the 16th century and is Grade II listed, with a clay-tiled roof and weatherboarding, set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An earlier conversion in 2003 had left it facing the wrong way, cut off from the old farmhouse, the entrance yard and its own garden. The owners, a curator and a joinery designer, asked South London practice Sandy Rendel Architects to turn the house around.

After what Rendel calls 'extensive negotiations' with the planners, the answer is a new kitchen extension, joined to the barn by a glazed link. Oddly enough, it was the heritage officer who suggested the Corten steel roof: crisp, flat sheets set against the sagging handmade tiles next door. Laser-cut slots around the edge feed hidden gutters, and dark zinc downpipes disappear into black-stained larch cladding, hung vertically to contrast with the barn's horizontal boards.

Inside, the timber frame by Scott Partnership is left fully exposed, from rafters to collar ties, and wide sliding doors open to the garden on a single slender column turned at 45 degrees. The client made the kitchen cabinets, following the grain of the roof above.

It is a private home, so this one is for reading rather than visiting, especially if you like seeing how old and new can share a roof line.

Our summary of a story from Wallpaper*, published 7 November 2026. Read the original

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