Bobby Open Architect

The Sawmill: Grade II Listed Barn Conversion, Great Shelford, Cambridge


Part of a phased project to refurbish and extend a Grade II Listed barn conversion in Great Shelford.

The first phase of work on the main house project, completed in 2015, involved internal alterations to an historic Sawmill building, which is now incorporated into the main house. An internal separating wall was taken down to balustrade level to open up the space as originally intended, and an internal mezzanine was removed to increase the height of the living room.

At the same time, the external envelope of the Sawmill was conserved, including the gault clay pantile roof and painted featheredged timber cladding. The large rooflights - originally installed by architect Sir Leslie Martin in the 1970s but now leaking - were replaced with bespoke frameless glazed rooflights. The concrete fireplace was retained and a new open fire inserted. Internal materials include brick paver floors (previously hidden beneath carpet), new oak flooring, and painted concrete and render.

Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 13 Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 11 Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 12 Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 15
Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 14 Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 17 Church Street Barns Great Shelford Cambridge Sawmill 16