How to build an eco-friendly barn conversion

As energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, more people are discovering that barn conversions offer the perfect canvas for implementing green building practices. The huge amount of living space allows you plenty of room to implement all kinds of eco-friendly features – from energy-efficient heating methods all the way to your own off-grid power supply.

Whether you’re drawn to original exposed beams or the potential for vast, light-filled spaces, there are many ways to build an eco-friendly barn conversion.

USING ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS FOR YOUR BARN CONVERSION

You should always try to retain as much of the original structure as possible when converting a barn. Not only does this save on materials, it also allows you to stay more sympathetic to the original character of your barn – a requirement for Class Q barn conversions.

However, you’ll definitely have to source some new materials in order to build your barn conversion. You should use recycled or reclaimed materials wherever possible. For example, cladding can be made from recycled aluminium and natural stone can be reclaimed from demolition sites in your local area.

When it’s not possible to re-use materials for your eco-friendly barn conversion, you should ensure that your building materials are sustainably sourced. Only use timber from sustainable and well-managed forests. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

While concrete is not the most eco-friendly building material, it is a great option for energy efficiency. It has high thermal mass, so it absorbs heat and releases it slowly. When combined with other insulators, concrete can create very energy-efficient buildings. It also lends itself well to modern designs.

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS FOR YOUR BUILDING ENVELOPE

Because agricultural barns weren’t created with human habitation in mind, they’re almost never adequate in terms of thermal performance. Your building envelope is crucial to the energy efficiency of your building, and you’ll need to improve its thermal performance to make it a comfortable place to live. However, always keep in mind that you’ll need to keep the original character of the barn intact.

You should add substantial insulation to the walls, roof, and floor. Natural forms of insulation include:

• Sheep’s wool – naturally moisture regulating, with high thermal performance

• Hempcrete – a mix of lime and hemp fires

• Cellulose – a good choice for walls and roofs. Cellulose is recycled paper that has been treated for fire resistance

HEATING & POWERING YOUR ECO-FRIENDLY BARN CONVERSION

One of the most effective ways to heat a barn conversion is a combination of a ground/air source pump and underfloor heating. The pump draws heat from the outdoors into your home and provides both heating and hot water. In the expansive space of a barn conversion, underfloor heating is more effective than radiators. Underfloor heating allows even coverage throughout the property, with no cold spots.

Barns often have very large roofs, which make great places to install solar panels. Choose the south-facing side for best results. You can also integrate energy storage systems like batteries to maximise what you get from your solar panels, allowing you to store energy for use on cloudy days.

CONSERVING WATER

Yet again, those large barn roofs can be used to your advantage. By installing a rainwater harvesting system, you can collect water and use it for many household tasks. In addition, greywater systems redirect water from your sinks and showers to your garden for irrigation purposes or to your toilet for flushing. This way, you can harvest your own water and use it multiple times. Throughout your eco-friendly barn conversion, you can also install low-flow fixtures and dual-flush toilets to reduce your water usage even further.

VENTILATING YOUR BARN CONVERSION

Many agricultural barns don’t have enough windows, so you’ll want to include plenty in your designs to ensure there’s enough air and natural light. In addition to windows, vents should be placed around your property to ensure proper air flow. You can also consider including a MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system if that suits your goals.

CREATE YOUR OWN ECO-FRIENDLY BARN CONVERSION

There’s something special about standing in a converted barn. Maybe it’s the history in the old walls, or the way sunlight streams through carefully placed windows that were once just gaps in the timber.

Think you’ve found the perfect barn to convert? We’d love to help bring your sustainable vision to life. Our team knows these old buildings inside and out, and we’re passionate about turning them into comfortable, sustainable homes that honour their agricultural roots. Get in contact with us today to discuss your eco-friendly barn conversion project.