Noble Barn: ‘understated, robust, brooding’.
McLaren Excell architecture and interiors practice were tasked with converting this idyllic, Victorian brick barn into a modern living environment, without losing the original, rustic, appeal.
“The clients wanted advanced technologies and innovative designs to enhance their cooking experience. For us it was important that the design of the appliances matched the kitchen’s modern aesthetic.”
Luke McLaren and Robert Excell
Luke McLaren and Robert Excell were hugely respectful of the structure. “Our approach was determined by the desire to tread lightly around the existing fabric of Noble Barn, an unusually beautiful brick building – less most definitely being more in this case.” However they are clear that they were not recreating anything, this building was being dramatically repurposed. “Where our work does step forward, we wanted to do it in such a way that was bold and unapologetic, but still somehow appropriate to the agricultural origins of the building.”
The interior is a long, open space, topped by exposed beam ceiling, with a poured concrete floor. At one end are Crittal doors opening out to the light and gentrified countryside of Henley-on-Thames. At the other is the kitchen, the polished concrete rising from the ground, with black metal frontage housing the appliances. The Gaggenau appliances are all 200 series: gas hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and double ovens in anthracite, complement and elevate the utilitarian materials of their surroundings.
“It was crucially important to allow the existing building to breathe and to help highlight its beauty in our design work.”
Luke McLaren and Robert Excell
The kitchen is most definitely where the designers have ‘stepped boldly and unapologetically forward.’ While it defers to the living area, it is an utterly modern creative space that does not compromise its vital functionality. The choice of concrete and metal materials combined with the Gaggenau anthracite glass and stainless steel creates a continuum of authentic aesthetic.
This is grandeur derived, not from opulent displays, but thanks to a purist architectural vision, sparingly and sympathetically applied, to create a rarified and exceptional space to luxuriate within. ‘Noble Barn’ in name and form.
