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Case Study: Red Flint Barn – Meeting Modern Standards in a Traditional Landscape
Tucked away in the rural landscape of East Sussex, Red Flint Barn comprises of five derelict agricultural buildings awaiting a new lease of life.
Client: Richardson Architecture Limited
Services: SAP 10.2 New Build Compliance
Location: Ripe, East Sussex
The Challenge
Tucked away in the rural landscape of East Sussex, Red Flint Barn comprises of five derelict agricultural buildings awaiting a new lease of life. The client’s ambition was to transform the cluster into a 220 m² luxury home that respected the local vernacular traditional flint, stone, and red-roofed barns whilst meeting stringent modern energy-efficiency standards under Part L 2021.
What began as a proposed barn conversion, soon evolved into a new-build classification after consultation with the planning authority. That redefinition raised the bar for performance: tighter fabric U-values, improved air-tightness targets, and renewable integration all without compromising the visual authenticity of the site.
Our Approach
Energy Report Limited was appointed to deliver a comprehensive SAP compliance package, balancing heritage character with modern performance.
Our technical team worked collaboratively with Richardson Architecture to model every construction element in detail. Early design reviews helped identify where traditional finishes could meet new-build standards using innovative methods.
- SIP System Integration: We specified a Structurally Insulated Panel (SIP) solution for walls and roofs, delivering high performance, excellent build accuracy, and faster site assembly. Importantly, this allowed consistent U-values across both curved and pitched roof forms, simplifying construction and compliance alike.
- Vernacular Consistency: Exterior finishes were tailored to local materials—red metal roofing and stone slips achieving the authentic aesthetic without sacrificing performance.
- Renewable Strategy: Given the sensitive visual setting, solar PV was ruled out. Instead, we designed an Air Source Heat Pump system to replace traditional oil heating, achieving up to 300 % efficiency and a dramatic reduction in on-site carbon emissions.
Throughout, our approach remained guided by actionable solutions ensuring the project met compliance smoothly while preserving architectural integrity.
The Outcome
The Red Flint Barn achieved full SAP 10.2 new-build compliance, demonstrating excellent envelope performance and low carbon emissions without altering its rural appearance.
By aligning innovative construction with traditional form, the development stands as a model for rural modernisation done responsibly where energy performance, comfort, and local identity coexist seamlessly.
Energy Report Limited’s involvement ensured a swift, assured compliance process, giving both architect and client confidence that the design could move forward without compromise.
Why It Matters
Every project has a story but the most successful examples balance design vision with measurable performance. Red Flint Barn shows how early, informed energy consultancy can protect both heritage character and modern efficiency goals.
At Energy Report Limited, we believe in actionable solutions that move projects forward practically, data-driven, and built on collaboration.
If you are designing a development that needs to blend aesthetics with compliance, our SAP and energy-strategy services can help make that happen smoothly.
Get in touch to discuss your next project: www.energyreport.co.uk
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