The spectacular transformation of an old animal stable into a modern library

Old buildings have a special charm and even if they had a more modest use in the past, saving them can be a good choice. The most successful projects are those where the old structures are largely preserved, resulting in an incredible combination of old and new. One such example is in the UK, where an old livestock barn, which in recent years has been used as a warehouse for farm machinery, has been converted for use as a library and office space. Beams and oak timbers were used for the conversion, an inspired choice to combine with the building's old brickwork. The furniture, which complements the interior, includes both old pieces and new furniture made from the same oak. The transformation project is the work of architecture studio Crawshaw Architects, in London and was completed in 2021.

From animal stable to private library

The converted building is an addition to Stanbridge Mill Farm in Dorset, UK. The main farm building, built in the Georgian style, has also been beautifully converted. A shallow river runs beneath the main building, putting a very well maintained water mill into operation.

The annex converted into a library was originally an animal stable. But for more than 40 years it has been used as a storehouse for machinery and farm tools for tending the garden. The main requirement was that this long-abandoned and dark building be transformed into a pleasant and bright place that could be used for offices, but also as space for a library to house a private collection of books on Palladian architecture. A special collection that served as the theme for the transformation of the space.

The name Palladian architecture comes from the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). He revived the principles of ancient Roman architecture, emphasising the importance of proportion, symmetry and the correct use of elements of classical styles (Ionic, Doric and Corinthian). To honour this special collection, the architects have conceived the transformation as a modern interpretation of classical proportions and symmetry.

Old brick on the outside, glulam and oak in interior design

From the outset, the architects working on the project wanted to incorporate the old annex into the new story, even if it required a major transformation of the interior. The new building has a central nave flanked by two corridors, much like a classical library. These fit in perfectly with the old architecture of the building so that from the outside it looks like the same old building. Construction materials and techniques very similar to traditional carpentry and blacksmithing were used in the design, bringing together the old and the new.

Structural interventions were limited to the removal of two original timber trusses which were replaced with arched laminated timber beams (glulam). This stabilized the outer walls and allowed the vaulted ceiling of the central area to be built. To provide as much light as possible inside the library, three windows were made in the roof, the intervention being as discreet as possible and preserving the vaulted ceiling. And to give the space the necessary height, the floor was lowered by 60 cm, the excavations being done entirely by hand.

The vault, arched beams, bookshelves, tables and chairs are made of oak or laminated oak. The oak has been specially chosen to have as many knots and natural colorations so that it has a rustic and natural authentic look. Traditional joinery techniques (log and hollowThe interior doors and windows were made to match the old black metal framed exterior windows. All hardware is new, but similar to the original iron fasteners.

From the outside, the old stable looks like it's just been freshened up a bit, not that its appearance or purpose has changed. Inside, however, significant work has been done to increase the building's strength and bring comfort and light. Everything was done while preserving what was good in the old structure and discreetly integrating new elements, without stridency and in total harmony. Wooden structural elements, natural insulation materials were used and modern construction techniques were combined with traditional ones. The result is a sustainable project, a bright and inviting space and a building in perfect harmony with the site and its architecture.

source of photos: wallpaper.com