Jackdaw Barn: A Sensitive and Sustainable Transformation
We are delighted to share that one of our recently completed projects Jackdaw Barn has achieved an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the highest possible rating for energy efficiency in buildings. An EPC measures how efficiently a property uses energy, its typical energy costs, and how much carbon dioxide it produces. An A rating means that the building is extremely energy-efficient, comfortable to use and cost-effective to run.
At Peregrine Mears Architects, we believe that sustainable design begins with understanding a building’s fabric and potential. For Jackdaw Barn, the aim was to ensure the longevity of the existing stone barn while transforming it into a modern, comfortable space. The project balances heritage sensitivity with future-focused performance, resulting in a building that respects its history while meeting today’s environmental standards.
Intelligent Materials for a Smarter Building
A key contributor to this success was the use of Diesen Diathonite, a natural thermal plaster made from materials such as cork, and lime. This combination provides insulation while remaining fully compatible with traditional masonry. Unlike synthetic insulation, Diathonite is vapour-permeable, allowing the building to breathe and preventing trapped moisture, a common issue in older structures. Its performance has been independently verified to deliver excellent thermal efficiency with minimal environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for sustainable restoration projects.
Designed for Long-Term Performance
Alongside this, Jackdaw barn integrates a suite of renewable and efficient technologies. Solar panels, an air source heat pump, borehole water supply, and underfloor heating work together to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. High levels of insulation exceeded our target U-values, the measure of how well building elements retain heat, directly contributing to the exceptional SAP results and the A-rated EPC.
Balancing Old and New
The project reflects our ongoing commitment to technical expertise, material understanding, and sustainable design, at Jackdaw Barn, old stone masonry and contemporary comfort coexist harmoniously, creating a building that is both true to its origins and fit for the future. You can see more of our barn conversion projects here!
