In the heart of the Mendip Hills, in Somerset, A House of Blue Lies is born, a refined contemporary interior design project by Forgeworks Architects. The intervention transformed a nineteenth-century farmhouse and an adjacent barn, previously disconnected and not very functional, into a cohesive, elegant and highly energy-efficient single-family residence .
The concept revolves around a key element: a connecting space, a new architectural volume that acts as the social heart of the house. This environment houses a living and dining area, completely redefining the perception of spaces. The project demonstrates how interior architecture can become a tool for connection, not only physical but also emotional, between environments and people.
The value of the intermediate space
Often in the recovery of historic buildings, connecting spaces are treated as simple corridors. In this case, however, they become the protagonists of the project. The new central body, clad in local Blue Lias stone, creates continuity between the main house and the renovated barn. The large sliding windows open the interior towards the terrace and the swimming pool, favoring a perfect integration between interior design and landscape architecture.
Inside, the double-sided fireplace and the fir wood ceiling dialogue with the natural light, generating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The attention to detail, proportions and materiality defines a coherent language, in which minimalist design meets local building tradition.
Sustainable interior design and living comfort
One of the most relevant aspects of the project concerns sustainability. The barn has been completely redeveloped through a careful energy retrofit, improving insulation and thermal comfort. The house is now powered by solar panels with a storage system and an air-water heat pump, supporting an approach oriented towards sustainable design.
The interior choices also reflect this philosophy: stone flooring and natural materials contribute to passive thermal regulation, while integrated shading allows solar radiation to be managed in the different seasons. The result is a virtuous example of sustainable interior design, where aesthetics and performance coexist in balance.
Visual continuity and spatial fluidity
A 25-metre-long visual axis runs through the entire house, connecting the kitchen, dining room and barn rooms. This design gesture reinforces the perception of spaciousness and creates a sense of contemporary open space, while maintaining the functional distinction between the areas.
“A House of Blue Lias” represents a model of renovation of a historic building capable of enhancing the existing without overwriting it. Forgeworks’ approach is based on precision, craftsmanship and listening to customer needs, demonstrating how high-end residential design can be discreet but deeply transformative.
This modern interior design project tells a new idea of living: more connected, more sustainable and more conscious, where architecture does not impose, but accompanies everyday life with elegance and naturalness.
INFO: Daniel Nelson – October Communications
PHOTO COURTESY: French & Tye
