Black Barn Studios

It attempts to address some of the key challenges facing architecture today: affordability, bio-diversity and both in-use and embodied energy. Starting life as an equestrian barn, the existing steel frame, structural slab, foundations and concrete yard were retained to minimise embodied energy. The slab was insulated with 250mm insulation, which was laid specifically for re-use. A pre-cut, labelled 300mm timber I-beam structure was erected over 5 days within the existing steel frame. The internal timber frame was then boarded, taped and blown with wood fibre insulation, triple glazed units installed and the original metal frame re-clad using black corrugated metal and larch with re-purposed industrial walkways as solar shading. The building functions as Charlie Luxton Design’s studio and a music recording studio. The interiors were fitted-out using UK grown Elm flooring, reclaimed timber windows as screens, recycled dry lining, low VOC paints and secondhand furniture. The overall low energy approach is augmented with a 20kW PV array, which meant that the building exported 2.5MWh more than it used in 2022. Heating is provided by a small ASHP through the MVHR system which also monitors CO2 to ensure high air quality. The building achieved exceptional airtightness of 0.3ACH @ 50Pa and has an as-built SAP of-24.6KgCO2/m2. The surrounding 3 acre site has been planted with over 700 native trees, shrubs and over 2,000m2 of wild flower meadow to absorb carbon emitted during construction and to create a habitat rich, beautiful environment. The project was managed by Charlie and Kate Luxton as the main contractor, with subcontractors undertaking the different packages of work. In this way cost and overheads for the project were minimised with a total cost including; PV, Landscaping, fit-out and services connections of £340,000.