he project’s design references the language of neighbouring agricultural barns. As a practice we are interested in reassessing the rural vernacular, both for its contextual appropriateness and its lessons in low-cost, pragmatic design. As such, the Autobarn re-interprets simple forms and methods of construction, adapting more temporary, rudimentary methods into a robust and elegant paradigm for low-cost, rural architecture. Composed of a concrete base and steel framed structure, intermittent timber cladding and zinc metal roof, the Autobarn adapts barn typologies with varying levels of refinement. Consideration was also given to its weathering, with the natural zinc roof dulling to complement the silver patination of the sweet chestnut cladding.

Like many barns, permeability to light and air is controlled through a series of movable layers. First experienced as a closed solid mass, the barn walls open up via a number of doors, including an heroic 7m sliding timber screen. The intermittent timber slats of the screens create internal dappled light during the day, which is reversed at night as interior lighting illuminates the surrounding landscape.
Internally the steel structure is expressed in an array of simple portal frames, with sustainably-sourced wood-fibre acoustic board forming internal wall and ceiling. The garage space is calm and gallery-like, while the workshop space presents a tougher, taller workshop, surrounded with concrete wainscotting and designed to accommodate a car lift.

The building’s ‘long-life/loose-fit’ ambitions have meant that the insulation and energy performance exceed residential standards. Although thermostats are currently turned down for its current use, the building includes underfloor heating powered by an Air Source Heat Pump, as well as additional first fix services hidden behind the internal wall paneling for future conversion.

Construction started in November 2020 and was completed at the end of 2021, with the project effected by the global pandemic and building material inflation. Despite these challenges, and the inclusion of some one-off expensive items (such as the electric garage doors), the Autobarnwas built for under £2,300 /m2. In tandem with high energy performance and the use of natural materials, it combines our studio’s goal to combine beauty, affordability, and sustainability.

This project was completed in 2022. For more details, please follow our client’s instagram feed: The Porsche Barn

Full Architectural services including: concept design, planning, detailed design and coordination of services, structure and landscape. Building control submission for full plans approval. Tender documentation including comprehensive drawings, schedules, specifications and contract information to get a detailed price from builders. On site contract administration to completion and handover to the client.

Location West Sussex
Local authority South Downs National Park Authority
Type of project Residential
Client Private
Architect Origin Studio
Landscape architect Origin Studio
Planning consultant Origin Studio
Quantity surveyor APS Associates
Principal designer Origin Studio
Lighting consultant Origin Studio
Funding Private
Start on site Summer 2025
Completion Autumn 2026
Contract duration 15 months
Gross internal floor area350m²:
Form of contract and/or procurement Construction management
Annual CO2 emissions 33 kWh/m²/year
Total cost £3.1 million
Visuals Pioneer Creative with Origin Studio