Atkinson Architects are specialists in the repair, restoration, and conservation of historic barns and traditional agricultural buildings across Devon and the South West. Throughout the year, we have successfully completed a number of barn conservation projects, each forming part of a working farm or rural estate, where maintaining robust, functional, and authentic structures remains of paramount importance to the owners.
Expertise in traditional agricultural building conservation
With many years of hands-on experience, our team has developed a deep understanding of heritage farm buildings – their construction, condition, and how best to conserve them for future generations. We apply a sensitive and informed approach, drawing upon a carefully considered palette of traditional materials and regional building techniques suited to the Devon climate and local context.
Example: curtilage Listed Barn at Yanston Farm, South Hams
A recent example of our work includes the conservation of a curtilage listed barn at Yanston Farm in the South Hams. This project showcases our use of authentic methods and materials, including:
- Cob and lime construction for wall rebuilding
- Salvaged and re-used local stone wherever possible
- A pre-oxidised metal roof system chosen to complement the warm ochre tones of the stonework
- Untreated timber joinery and cladding, allowing the wood to weather naturally over time
A commitment to rural heritage
Regardless of scale or value, we approach every barn restoration project with the same level of care and attention to detail. Many of the sites we work on begin in a state of disrepair or dereliction, yet through thoughtful conservation, we bring them back into full working order – preserving their historic character and ensuring they continue to make a vital contribution to the Devon rural landscape.