Local studio Patrick Bradley Architects has ingeniously incorporated a cantilevered shipping container into the remnants of an old farm in Northern Ireland, creating a modern house with an annex. Named Barneys Ruins, this project revitalizes a traditional small-holding settlement in Mid Ulster, known as a clachan, while preserving the 200-year-old cottage ruins.
Honoring Heritage with a Contemporary Twist
Patrick Bradley Architects’ founder, who inherited the site from his great-great uncle Barney, sought to restore the deteriorating clachan. The goal was to blend the site’s historical significance with modern design, resulting in “a strong juxtaposition of old and new.”
Access and Layout
Access to Barneys Ruins is via a grated steel staircase that spans one of the ruined walls. Adjacent to this is a converted former barn serving as a small annex. The main living spaces are housed in the shipping container, converted off-site and craned into place, supported by steel columns within the original cottage footprint.
Interior and Exterior Features
The shipping container features an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a small bathroom, and a double bedroom at the rear, all finished with minimalist plywood joinery and terrazzo flooring. Beneath, the original cottage walls enclose a utility room. Large south-facing sliding doors open onto a balcony, while a picture window offers views of a rewilded meadow promoting local biodiversity.
Sustainable and Reclaimed Materials
The project prioritized using existing materials wherever possible, including old gates, agricultural cladding, and reclaimed stones, emphasizing sustainability.
Annex Conversion
The nearby former barn, now an annex, includes a concrete fireplace and chimney breast and a small mezzanine sleeping area for guests. The annex retains its original character with a galvanized corrugated steel roof, referencing its agricultural past.
A Beacon in the Landscape
Patrick Bradley Architects envisioned Barneys Ruins as a landmark, drawing inspiration from a mature Yew Tree at the heart of the local town. LED strips behind the cladding create the illusion of the dwelling “floating” across the landscape at night.
Photos: Joe Laverty Photography
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