In 2016, Mr. and Mrs. Wonbon sought to enhance their charming listed oak barn in Reigate by adding a dedicated dining room. The couple wanted a space that would harmoniously blend with the existing structure while providing a modern and comfortable area for family meals and entertaining guests.
Given the historical significance of the barn, it was essential to design an extension that maintained its character while also connecting it to the main house. This case study explores the design and construction processes that brought the Wonbons' vision to life.
The design process began with a careful analysis of the existing oak barn, focusing on its architectural features and materials.
Designing a Seamless Extension
The goal was to create an extension that matched the aesthetics of the barn while offering the functionality of a modern dining room. The team worked diligently to ensure that the new frame complemented the rustic charm of the original structure, using similar materials and construction techniques.
A key feature of the design was the integration of a link corridor that would connect the dining room to the main house.
This corridor not only facilitated easy access between the two spaces but also provided an inviting transition that preserved the distinct identities of each area.
Large windows were incorporated into the design to enhance natural light and provide views of the surrounding countryside, creating a bright and airy atmosphere within the new dining room.
Preserving Character and Integrity
Constructing the dining room extension presented unique challenges, particularly due to the listed status of the oak barn. It was crucial to adhere to preservation guidelines while ensuring the new structure met modern building standards.
The construction team employed traditional techniques to ensure the extension harmonised with the existing barn, including using oak framing and hand-crafted joinery.
Careful attention was paid to the details, from matching the existing timber finishes to selecting appropriate roofing materials that would complement the historic building. The link corridor was designed with a pitched roof to maintain the architectural flow between the barn and the main house.
A Functional and Aesthetic Enhancement
The completion of the dining room extension in 2016 transformed the way Mr. and Mrs. Wonbon used their oak barn. The new space provided a beautiful and functional area for family gatherings and entertaining, enhancing their overall living experience. The combination of traditional design elements with modern comforts created a dining and living space that felt both timeless and inviting.
The successful integration of the extension with the existing barn and the main house demonstrates the effectiveness of careful planning and skilled craftsmanship.
Mr. and Mrs. Wonbon can now enjoy their beautifully expanded home, complete with a stunning dining room that reflects their style and appreciation for their property’s history.
Testimonials
What our clients are saying
“We just wanted to express our thanks to James, Sean, Spencer, Jason, Calum, Albert and Mark the team at Green Oak Building Company for the wonderful extension they built for us. It wasn’t going to be an easy task as we wanted the new oak extension to blend in with our current home, which was a barn that had been built in the 1700’s. As clients that work in the property business, we were going to be quite specific in our requirements, so it was imperative that we worked with a team that were flexible and open to the odd change along the way as the building developed. Having considered some of the larger companies that had many years of building specialised oak frames, we chose the Green Oak Building Company, as we thought their ‘yes we can’ attitude meant that we could make the build work for us. They didn’t fail and were able to cope with the planning and building regulations departments, torrential summer rain, bats, wasps and of course us. The extension was finished both on time and on budget. We are delighted with the final result and had an incredible first Christmas in our new room. Many thanks and well done Green Oak Building Company.” Debbie & Phillip
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