BAARN is a timber‑frame house concept created by Roderick James Architects to make self‑building simpler, more affordable and more efficient.

You begin by choosing one of our four BAARN house types - Sail Loft, Norse, Loft House or Bolthole - which then becomes the foundation for your design. We work with you to adapt and refine this starting point so the finished home suits your site, lifestyle and priorities.

All BAARN designs follow fabric‑first, off‑site construction principles for improved energy performance and predictable build costs, with each house type offering flexibility to tailor the layout and detailing.

You choose the level of involvement you want, from an oak‑frame shell for hands‑on self‑builders to a fully managed service. Throughout the process, you are supported by a dedicated Project Architect from Roderick James Architects, giving you a clear, confident route from first ideas to a well‑resolved timber‑frame home.

To explore the BAARN concept further, please visit www.baarn.co.uk.

Black circular stamp with the words "SAIL LOFT" around the top edge and a house icon in the centre.
A circular stamp with the word 'NORSE' at the top and an outline of a house inside the circle.
Grunge-style stamp with the text 'LOFT HOUSE' around a house icon.
Stylised circular stamp or logo with the words 'BOLTHOLE' and a house icon inside in vintage or distressed style.
Open-concept living space with kitchen and living room, large windows with scenic countryside view, wooden beams on the ceiling, and modern furniture including a white sofa with cushions, a coffee table, and bar stools at the kitchen counter.
Interior view of an attic living space with exposed wooden rafters, a large wall clock, a sitting area with a sofa, a coffee table with magazines, a standing lamp, and large windows showing a scenic landscape outside.
Interior view of an attic living space with exposed wooden beams, a sitting area with sectional sofas and colorful pillows, a kitchenette with white cabinetry, a dining table with chairs, and a bookshelf filled with books. Large windows reveal a view
Living room with exposed wooden beams, large windows, a white sofa, a television, a fireplace, and a person taking a photo reflected in the window.
A wooden house with a gabled roof, skylights, large windows, and a small balcony on the upper level.
A digital rendering of a two-story house with red wooden siding, white trim, and a gray shingle roof, featuring multiple windows and a front porch.
3D rendering of a modern house with wooden siding and a black metal roof, featuring large windows and skylights.
3D model of a modern house with wooden siding and a dark gray roof, featuring several large glass windows and skylights.
A cozy bedroom with a slanted ceiling and two skylight windows showing greenery outside. There's a bed with a white cover, a guitar leaning against the wall, two wooden chairs, a small wooden table with a bowl, a colorful striped rug, and a sliding g
A room with a large window showing greenery outside, a wooden dresser, a yellow armchair with pillows, and a sloped ceiling with a skylight.
Living room with vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, large windows, sliding glass doors, a wood stove with a fire, sofas with decorative pillows, a coffee table, a floor lamp, and a view of a green landscape outside.
Open-concept living and dining area with exposed wooden beams, a modern fireplace, large windows, and a kitchen with white cabinets and black countertop.
Learn more about baarn
read about our country life projects