Old Barn Café, Foxcote

Project Scope

The project involves the conversion of an existing agricultural building at Foxcote Farm into a café. Initially, Skeletal Consulting Engineers was appointed to assess the feasibility of this conversion following planning approval in August 2020. The existing structure, dating back to the 1950s and previously used as a piggery, was found to be in poor condition with significant deterioration of the pre-cast concrete frames and perimeter masonry walls. Due to the severe corrosion and spalling of the concrete, it was concluded that the existing frames and walls could not be economically repaired or reused. Consequently, a complete demolition and rebuild was deemed more appropriate and cost-effective.

Summary

Location: Foxcote Farm, Radstock

Client: Private

Architectural Design: D R Mills & Associates

SCE Scope

Visual Structural Survey: Conducted to evaluate the building’s condition and structural integrity

Structural Design: Included the design of external masonry walls, windposts, new lintels, and foundations. The roof structure will be a prefabricated roof truss, designed by the chosen manufacturer

Structural Calculations: For the new structural elements, ensuring stability and compliance with safety and building regulations

Statistics

Project Duration: The project started in June 2023 and is ongoing

Building Design: The new café will feature traditional masonry and roof truss construction

Foundation Design: The foundations are designed to bear on undisturbed stiff clay with a minimum safe bearing pressure of 150kPa

Image credits: Skeletal Consulting and D R Mills & Associates