Local studio Patrick Bradley Architects has ingeniously transformed the remnants of a historic farm in Northern Ireland by integrating a cantilevered shipping container into the existing ruined walls, resulting in a striking contemporary home named Barneys Ruins. Located in Mid Ulster, this project revitalizes a traditional clachan, a small farming settlement, by blending modern architectural elements with the preserved 200-year-old ruins of an old cottage. The site, inherited by Patrick Bradley from his great-great uncle Barney, inspired a design that juxtaposes the past and present. The shipping container, which was converted off-site and placed on steel columns within the cottage’s original footprint, houses the main living spaces. It features minimalist plywood joinery and terrazzo flooring, with large south-facing sliding doors opening onto a balcony, offering stunning views of the rewilded meadow and promoting local biodiversity.

The architectural approach of Barneys Ruins celebrates the site’s heritage while introducing modern amenities, embodying a profound connection to the land passed down through generations. Accessed by a grated steel staircase, the house also includes a converted barn annex with a concrete fireplace, chimney breast, and a mezzanine sleeping area, maintaining the original agricultural character with a galvanized corrugated steel roof. Sustainability was a key consideration, with reused and recycled materials from the farm, such as old gates and reclaimed stones, to minimize the carbon footprint. At night, LED strips behind the cladding create an ethereal glow, symbolizing the dwelling’s significance in the landscape, akin to the mature Yew Tree at the heart of the local town. This innovative project, alongside other works by Patrick Bradley Architects like the Grillagh Water House, showcases a harmonious blend of historic preservation and contemporary design, bridging the gap between past and present.