Once a farmworkers’ abode, the ‘Bothy’ now stands as a testament to sustainable restoration. Architect Elliot led the transformation, enhancing the Bothy’s charm with clever spatial planning. Studio Bio (UK Hempcrete’s in-house design studio) provided technical design support. Hempcrete and other natural materials were chosen to complement the original stone walls, resulting in a low-energy, eco-friendly home. Solid pine trusses contrast with lime-plastered hempcrete internally, and burnt-umber zinc externally. ARUP engineers reinforced the aged walls and designed a supportive ground floor. 

This marks the start of redeveloping this farmstead near Edinburgh, with Studio Bio eager to continue our collaboration with Elliot.

This project involves conserving and retrofitting a 16th-century grade-2 listed oak frame barn in Cambridgeshire. Our clients, Nick and Martine, aim to transform it into a beautiful home while preserving its original character. The main challenge is preserving the traditional timber frame, which is structurally compromised in many areas. To address this, Studio Bio (UK Hempcrete’s in-house design studio) designed a separate supporting steel and timber structure to enhance the barn’s overall performance.

We look forward to watching this project progress on site – check back for more photos as we receive them.

An extensive renovation of a 18th century stone barn that prioritises natural materials in the design. Pine king-post roof trusses are left exposed in the existing building, and a new Douglas fir in-the-round column and glulam beam structure is used in the new extension.

Studio Bio (UK Hempcrete’s in-house design studio) was engaged by the clients to detail the complete technical building envelope with bio-based materials, run moisture risk analysis and provide on-site hempcrete training.

Want to know more about this project? We’ve written a full case study about this project.