Nick Thorne ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

13/11/2025

Some recent photos showing a completed barn conversion in Exmoor National Park.

A nice little project to create a lovely home office and workshop.

17/10/2025

17/10/2025

An old project on my flying visit back to Bedfordshire last weekend.

Some up to date photos from the street showing the glazed link and 1.5 storey side extension.

Bit of brick detailing to blend in with the Edwardian dwelling. We went to town with Flemish bond too. The last photos show it partially complete a good few years ago when funds were drying up.

Quite a challenging project connecting the existing first floor into the new first floor and change in floor levels throughout. I'm happy with the front elevation, not so much the rear, would probably design it differently now and simplify a few areas.

Good fun seeing these projects and reflecting.

15/10/2025

Former piggery barn conversion into a low energy home.

14/10/2025

Farmhouse extensions + renovation located on the edge of Clatworthy Reservoir.

09/10/2025

Extension to an historic cottage in Exmoor National Park.

07/10/2025

About time I updated the socials....

A completed low energy new build home located in the Doone Valley, Exmoor National Park.

03/12/2024

PLANNING APPROVAL FOR A BARN CONVERSION INTO AN OFFICE AND WORKSHOP

NTAD recently gained planning approval for a modest barn conversion located in Exmoor National Park. The barn conversion will create a home office, workshop and utility room. We explored options to change the flat roof to a pitched roof however the client wished to retain the flat roof design to preserve the fantastic views from the house that overlook the surrounding fields and woodland. To improve the appearance of the flat roof we designed a deep overhang with curved eaves detailing to add interest. The barn will have a new large window (to match the house) facing into the field to provide lots of natural light and great views to enjoy whilst trying to work. This type of barn conversion would also suit annexe accommodation or an artists studio.

As is typical on this type of conversion project a full Ecology mitigation plan was provided by a qualified Ecologist to survey and advise on the protection of bats present within the barn structure. On this scheme the mitigation plan includes a new bat loft to be created in the opposite barn. A discrete opening with a new canopy and hedging should protect the bats flight path into the loft and also minimise artificial light spill coming from the converted barn.

If you have a barn and are unsure of its potential then please contact Nick for some planning advice.

01/11/2024

Planning approval for two barn conversions.

NTAD is pleased to announce we have received planning approval for two barn conversion on a farm near Clatworthy Reservoir in West Somerset.

The barns will be converted into two separate annexe dwellings as part of a wider farm diversification scheme. The linhay and piggery barns will both have two double bedrooms and be thermally upgraded to incorporate low energy construction principles.

If you are considering a barn conversion please get in touch.

18/10/2024

Planning approval for a two storey extension.

We have just gained planning approval for a part two storey and single storey rear extension to a semi-detached house in Watchet. The proposal includes the demolition of a poorly constructed single storey extension. These types of extensions can be really tricky to get through planning primarily due to the potential to have an over bearing impact and right to light issues for the neighbouring properties. We presented a clear justification demonstrating how the proposal would have a negligable impact giving the spacing between the properties with shadow analysis. As a result this application sailed straight through with no issues.

The new extension will open up the rear ground floor wall of the house to create a large kitchen, dining and family room space. A fourth bedroom will be created at first floor.

For this type of project we offer a budget orientated planning package suited to the scale and complexity of the proposed works. Please get in touch to discuss how we can assist you in altering your home.

20/09/2024

We have recently achieved planning success on a project in Somerset and looking forward to construction commencing shortly.

The proposed house is located on the edge of a small town just outside of the development boundary line. A pre-application enquiry demonstrated how well the site sits within the built environment and whilst it was technically classed as open countryside the site reflected a more urban pattern, reinforced by a stone barn and timber outbuildings within the curtilage.

The new build dwelling will include a highly insulated envelope, triple glazed windows and air tight detailing to minimise heat loss. An air source heat pump will provide underfloor heating and hot water, solar panels will reduce energy consumption.

The architectural style is a subtle contemporary interpretation of a timber framed barn with a traditional form and simple window openings to frame views over the adjacent fields and distant countryside.

https://www.nickthornedesign.co.uk/news/new-build-low-energy-home

08/10/2021

Thrilled to have won a William Stansell Award 2021 from the Somerset Building Preservation Trust for The Forge project (extension and renovation) in Exmoor National Park.

A team effort with my clients Emily and Ben who took a risk to see this complex design on a tight and steep site through to completion.

I had two other awards shortlisted, extensions to Peephole Cottage and Middlecroft, each receiving very positive feedback, nice to pass on to my clients.

Congratulations to all the other winners, some amazing projects on show.

Right, on to the next project!