The site, an eighteenth century aisled framed barn in rural Oxfordshire, had been converted to a dwelling fifty years ago and was in desperate need of modernisation. We wanted to provide a contemporary design without compromising the rural setting and oak structure of the original barn. More specifically,it was to be a working family home that could evolve. At the centre of the house is an eight-metre high galleried hallway. This is the heart of the building and allows one to experience the strength and scale of the oak framed structure. Key to the design was the re-organisation of the first floor plan so that all the bedrooms were accessed via the gallery. The proportionsof the original barn are celebrated with open plan spaces and ceilings that reach to the apex of the roof. Opening glazed strips along both the groundfloor living areas and first floor master bedroom suite, characterise the garden elevation. On summer evenings the family can slide open the full height windows and enjoy the garden below and village green beyond.