The principle of retaining large open spaces is taken to an extreme at the amazing Duke’s Barn in Monmouthshire which can be opened out to a room 110' long!

Here also the architects have worked hard to resist inserting new windows and doors (the golden rule for any successful conversion), and have carried light through the building by using glass walls, doors made from single sheets of plate glass, and even glass floors to allow light up onto the mezzanines.

The juxtaposition of the ancient oak roof and the modern steel and glass is fantastic, as the original building can still 'speak' to us of its history without being confused by the historical fakery that is often seen when things like inglenook fires and cottage detailing is added to these non-domestic structures.