When the homeowners first began exploring the idea of a self-build, they were intrigued but uncertain where to start – particularly when it came to finding and acquiring land. That changed when a friend spotted a unique opportunity: nine self-build plots, reserved exclusively for private builders rather than developers.
“It instantly felt interesting,” they recall. “The location was great, and the idea of shaping something ourselves really appealed.”
Working with Cambridge based PIP Architects, the couple arrived with a surprisingly clear vision. “We were probably slightly annoying clients,” they laughed. “We already knew how we wanted the house to feel. But the architect completely bought into it and helped bring it to life.”
The site had originally been home to a large agricultural hay barn. The design challenge was to create a contemporary interpretation that respected the rural setting. Influences came from two places they’d loved living – New Zealand and Scandinavia.
“We wanted something modern, clean and airy, but softened with natural timber. That Scandi/Kiwi blend, minimalist, warm and connected to the outdoors, felt right for the plot.”
The couple approached every part of the project with meticulous care.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We wanted to get it exactly right, and we spent an enormous amount of time on every detail.”
One of the biggest priorities was natural light. With a good-sized plot and uninterrupted field views, glazing was always going to play a major role.
“In our previous home, we loved how much natural light we had. So from day one, the brief to the architect was clear: maximise light, frame the views, and make the glazing feel as minimal as possible.”
To achieve their vision, they needed a glazing system with ultra-slim sightlines and the capability to deliver a true inside–outside connection.
“We wanted windows and doors that didn’t interrupt the landscape – and crucially, we wanted a completely flush threshold. That seamless flow between indoors and outdoors was non-negotiable for us.”
Most systems they explored struggled to deliver that level of detail. IDSystems, however, understood the brief immediately.
“IDSystems got the project. They clearly had the track record with high-end projects, and their doors offered exactly what we needed – narrow sightlines, flawless operation, and the fully flush threshold that was so hard to achieve elsewhere.”
The result is a home where the glazing disappears into the architecture, drawing in natural light and opening the living space effortlessly to the surrounding fields.
Two and a half years on, the family still feels a sense of wonder.
“Life gets busy and you take things for granted, but when we stop and look around, it still blows our mind. The house is everything we hoped it would be.”
Their experience with the entire team from IDSystems to the architect and builder, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“They’ve all been fantastic. We can’t recommend them highly enough.”
“Absolutely,” they say, though with a smile. “It was challenging, stretching, rewarding and unlike anything we’d done before. My wife might disagree, but I’d do another self-build in a heartbeat!”
Learn more about the house and the self-build journey on Instagram @hay_barn_build
Location: Cambridgeshire
Architect: PIP Architects
Main contractor: Man Construction
Photos: Chris Taylor Photography
