Henley Barns Conversion

The DOGHOUSE! Barns conversion 2020-2021.

The Doghouse was originally a working kennel, and that history mattered. The building already had its own energy and logic, and the work was about understanding that and shaping what came next, rather than forcing something onto it.

The brief allowed space to explore. Certain ideas were clear early on, "an exciting spiral staircase"- the brief, "feature walls that feel different", and a strong focus on how the building flows and feels to move through. That freedom meant decisions could be made in response to the structure itself on the go and as the work progressed.

The spiral staircase became a key moment within the building designed and build in-house. More than a practical element, it sets the tone and creates movement through the space, acting as a centre of gravity around which the rest of the layout naturally settles.

Materials were worked with in their raw state wherever possible. Timber was shaped into bespoke walls and joinery that guide movement and soften transitions. Microcement sinks and worktops were cast as integral parts of the building, formed for use and touch rather than added as separate fixtures. Each element was designed to feel resolved, useful and comfortable to live with. Earth & Oak.

The result is a building that feels balanced and honest. Its past is still present, but it now works as a coherent home with a clear sense of flow, strong material character, and spaces that feel right to occupy.