The vision for the future
The clients vision for this project was to create a large stable complex from which to breed their speciality Lusitano horses. They acquired their dream plot of land on the coastline of west Wales. It had many fields and a large dilapidated barn previously used for rearing cattle that was falling apart with pieces blowing away every time a storm hit, water leaking in all over, rotten ends of beams and block pillars hanging upright from only a couple of thin metal ties.
Demolition
Having spoke to local builders and farmers about demolition they were given quotes of £10,000 to drive a digger through the whole thing and skip all the waste leaving a blank canvas. Joseph was invited to survey the barn for demolition where he noted just how much quality materials were tied up in the dangerous structure, many thousands of pounds worth of box form steel sheeting with plenty of lifespan left, walls that were falling over but others that were rock solid and may be of use, along with thousands of pounds worth of lumber removing just the rotten parts.
They were overjoyed to discover an alternative approach that would save them a significant amount of money in the long run. By carefully planning and executing a brief, safe, and calculated demolition phase, they were able to recoup their investment in demolition, even if they chose to sell all the materials at a discount to local farmers and construct a new structure entirely from new materials. The cost savings were substantial, a welcome surprise in the midst of a challenging project.
The clients, who were working hard to realize their dream, were unable to afford building a modern steel barn. Joseph’s resourcefulness and dedication to their land led to an offer to design and construct a new structure. Following a series of fruitful meetings, both parties agreed optimistically to the proposal.
Planning & Design.
A portion of the old barn was converted into a storm-resistant workspace, serving as a headquarters, tea break room, site office, and materials storage during the initial stages while planning permissions were sought and obtained.
The design, without going into too much detail, was to keep within the original barn footprint, adjust the shape of the new builds roof to dual pitch to streamline the stables from the storms, build strong large stables for two horses at a time and use as much of the reclaimed materials as possible. The conversion would include a courtyard, an open air passage through the centre, room for farm vehicle access, skylight roof sheets and water harvesting. Within the stable complex would also be all the usuals – feed room, tack room, wash box, a cosy warm office/tea room and onsite showers.
The Build
With planning obtained a new access driveway was installed that would aid the build and become the main access to the stables and adjoining fields. The new blocks went up quickly in traditional materials in keeping with the area and a phased demolition of the last of the old barn went smoothly with the site office transferring into the new build.
The new build progressed to encompass the rest of the now available footprint. Sound walls were reinforced and raised, reclaimed lumber was integrated with new treated timber and local sawmill leftovers were repurposed as affordable rustic cladding.
The project would almost certainly have been out of reach if not for the dedicated reclamation and repurposing of materials, combined with locally sourced sustainable alternatives to common material choices, and aided by building good relations with the local farmers.
At Bristol Born Builds we pride ourselves on not just our building skills but our people skills too. Being a project ambassador, a face of public relations, diplomatic resolutions, and working closely with planners and clients to build professional relationships is paramount to success.
The Project Completed
It was an incredible experience working on such a large project with such passionate clients, who have a clear and compelling vision for the future. The journey was truly memorable, and the completed stables and barn are, for them, a dream come true.
Testimonial –
“From late 2020 to autumn of 2022 Joseph worked with us in west Wales turning a 40m x 15m derelict agricultural shed into our dream equestrian facility, enabling us to start our business breeding Portuguese Lusitanos horses for a UK market. We have an Instagram account’ Red Kite Lusitanos’ where you can see some of Joseph’s work.
Not only is Joseph as exceptionally skilful builder, with a deep understanding of construction, but he is also a huge asset in planning part of a project. He worked closely with us, gaining a thorough understanding of our vision, budget, planning issues, and the constraints of the site. His ideas helped us shape the projects as it developed. His skills were showcased from the outset in planning, groundworks and drainage, blockwork, joinery, roofing, and always with an eye on functionality, longevity, and aesthetics.
He was punctual, reliable, trustworthy and thorough. He managed the site in an orderly manner, with respect to our neighbours and communicated clearly with us throughout the project.
We cannot recommend Joseph highly enough!”
-Sydney Marsh & Molly Gilbert, New Quay, West Wales
Visit their amazing website to see the horses growing up and living life in their new home! www.redkitelusitanos.com or check out their Instagram