Bespoke Agricultural Storage Barn - East Sussex

The Brief

This was a project where the look of the building was of the utmost consideration. The client wanted a bespoke agricultural storage barn that would sit naturally in its rural East Sussex surroundings while still being a practical, hard-working building. It needed to look good from every angle, not just serve a purpose.

What We Did

We designed and built a steel-framed storage barn finished to a high standard throughout. The roof is a steel slate-effect profile, giving the appearance of traditional slate without the weight or maintenance. The walls are clad with larch weatherboard panels, chosen for their natural look and durability. Access is through full-width sliding doors, keeping the front of the building clean and practical for machinery and vehicle access.

Every detail was considered to make sure the finished building matched what the client had in mind. From the framing through to the final finishes, this was built to look as good as it performs.

The Result

A storage barn that works just as well as it looks. The combination of steel slate-effect roofing and larch weatherboard gives the building real character, and the sliding doors make day-to-day use straightforward. The client was pleased with how well it fits into the landscape while still being a solid, practical building they can rely on for years to come.

Choosing Materials for a Building That Looks the Part

A lot of the character in a bespoke barn comes down to the cladding and the roof. A steel slate-effect roof gives the appearance of traditional slate without the weight, the cost or the maintenance, which makes it a popular choice where a building needs to sit comfortably alongside older properties. Larch weatherboard weathers to a soft silver-grey over time and is naturally durable, so it suits a rural setting and stands up well to the elements. The steel frame underneath does the structural work, which leaves you free to choose finishes that match the look you are after.

Planning a Bespoke Barn

If appearance matters on your project, it is worth raising it at the design stage rather than trying to dress a building up afterwards. The frame, the roof profile, the cladding and the door style all work together, and getting them right from the start usually costs no more than a standard finish. Buildings in sensitive or visible locations may also have planning conditions attached, so it is worth checking where you stand early on. Our guide to planning permission for agricultural buildings is a good starting point, and you can see the full range of what we build on our services page. Whatever you have in mind, talk it through with Graham and we will help you get the look and the practicality right.

Project Details