Studio Seilern Architects Ltd.

Albion Barn

ALBION BARN

Studio Seilern Architects

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

LIGHTING CONSULTANT
Sutton Vane Associates

QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Baqus

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Studio Seilern Architects

SERVICES ENGINEER
Atelier Ten

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
TALL Engineers

PHOTOGRAPHS
Philip Vile

AREA
300.0 sqm

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
United Kingdom, Oxford, UK

CATEGORY
Barn

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

Old Belchers Farm is a 17th Century farmhouse with a collection of barns and stables.

The buildings have Historic Interest Building Status and the property falls within the Conservation Area of Little Milton.

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

The project brief was for a conversion that was to offer a new contemporary art and exhibition space that would help contribute to the upkeep of the estate, consisting of a dining room and of ces that wrap around a hidden library at the centre of the project.

This library, the heart of the concept, contains four secret doors that when opened connect to the surrounding spaces.

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

When these doors are closed, the room is lined with bookshelves on all sides.

It has a mirrored polished steel ceiling, which doubles the perceived height of the space by creating bookshelves that seem to extend to in nity.

A set of thin L-shaped steel plates create a very light cantilevered balcony, allowing access to the higher bookshelves while maintaining their visual verticality.

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

This creates a reading room with an intimate ambiance contrasting with the surrounding bright lit rooms.

The main barn is located aside from the house courtyard setting, out of view from the High Street and just inside the private access road, as it enters into the courtyard.

A lean-to block addition with asbestos roof was added to the main barn at some stage to the south elevation, obscuring the main barn and forming the boundary wall to the neighbouring property Betts Farm House.

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile

Describing the design, Christina Seilern, said: “While the galleries are pared-down in design, the library is somewhat whimsical.

It has a mirrored polished steel ceiling, which doubles the perceived ceiling height of the space by creating bookshelves that seem to extend to in nity.

A set of thin L-shaped steel plates create a very light cantilevered balcony that allows access to the higher bookshelves, while maintaining their visual verticality.’

Albion Barn
© Philip Vile
Albion Barn
© Philip Vile


Albion Barn
Floor Plan
Albion Barn
Floor Plan


Albion Barn
Floor Plan


Albion Barn
Section
Albion Barn
Section


Albion Barn
Elevation
Albion Barn
Site Plan

Studio Seilern Architects Ltd.
T +44 20 89692567
Studio Seilern Architects Ltd.
24 Scrubs Ln, London NW10 6RA, United Kingdom