Barn Conversion

Location: Wexford, Ireland

Area: 94 sq.m.

Year: 2025

Isabel Barros Architects’ proposal for the careful conversion and sensitive extension of a 191+-year-old stone barn in Co. Wexford seeks to preserve the building’s historic character while adapting it for modern residential use. The project balances heritage conservation with contemporary design, enhancing both the longevity and functionality of the structure.

The barn, substantially intact, provided an opportunity to reuse a traditional rural building sustainably. The proposal involves a thoughtful conversion and modest extension, minimising demolition and construction waste and reducing embodied energy compared to building a new dwelling in the countryside.

Respecting the vernacular heritage of the area, the design retains the original stone fabric and key architectural features, while introducing contemporary elements that complement the historic structure. The layout honours the barn’s original footprint, maintaining a dialogue between old and new, and reinforcing the building’s rural character.

This adaptive reuse not only safeguards a piece of Wexford’s agricultural heritage but also exemplifies sustainable design, reducing waste and embodied energy compared to new construction. The result is a home that celebrates history while meeting modern living standards – a thoughtful balance of tradition and contemporary life.