The Farm Feasibility Study explored the potential transformation of a disused agricultural site in Oxfordshire into a small collection of distinctive homes.
Located on the edge of Thame, the site formed part of the former Farm, a cluster of traditional barns and outbuildings surrounding the existing farmhouse. The land had been unused for more than 25 years, with several of the barns in varying states of repair, from sound timber and brick structures to derelict steel-framed sheds.
The study began by identifying site constraints and opportunities, including the condition of each structure, access routes, surrounding residential boundaries, and proximity to the Conservation Area. Mature trees, established boundaries, and existing tracks were seen as key assets to retain and enhance.
SITE ANALYSIS DIAGRAM - GOOGLE MAPS©
SITE ANALYSIS - CONSTRAINTS + OPPORTUNITIES
Our approach was guided by the desire to retain and repurpose existing building footprints wherever feasible, maintaining the agricultural character and scale of the site. The feasibility study developed a series of layout options that explored both Class Q conversions and full planning redevelopment opportunities, all responding to the same underlying principles:
Preserve the character of the farmstead and its relationship with the Farmhouse.
Maximise the re-use of existing structures to reduce embodied carbon.
Respect existing access arrangements and mature landscaping.
Provide an appropriate mix of dwelling sizes to reflect local need.
Integrate outdoor amenity space and parking without detracting from the rural setting.
Site layout options were developed, each offering a different balance between conversion, new-build, and density. Each option retained a strong relationship with the surrounding countryside while reinforcing the site’s established layout and orientation.
SITE LAYOUT STUDIES
SITE MASSING STUDIES
Architecturally, the proposals were inspired by the local barn typologies. Simple gabled forms, horizontal emphasis, and a restrained material palette of timber cladding, natural stone, and clay tiles. Two typical house types were developed:
A Long Barn layout, echoing traditional agricultural proportions with a linear plan and open-plan interior.
An L-shaped Barn type, creating enclosed courtyards and offering greater flexibility in orientation and outlook.
Together, these prototypes demonstrated how contemporary rural homes could emerge naturally from the site’s historic context.
INITIAL HOUSETYPE DESIGN LAYOUT SKETCHES
The Farm feasibility study demonstrated the potential for this disused agricultural site to be revitalised as a sustainable residential enclave, one that blended traditional craftsmanship with modern living. By retaining the farmstead’s spatial logic and vernacular character, the proposals ensured that new development would enhance the fabric of the village, breathing new life into a long-neglected corner of the village while respecting its heritage and landscape.
Type
Class Q / New Development
A+P Sector
Location
Oxfordshire
Status
Feasibility