A once-derelict barn in rural Somerset is being given a stunning new lease of life using Tata Steel’s Trisomet® insulated roof and wall panel systems, showcasing how British-made materials are shaping the future of sustainable construction.
Watch our interview with Sarah here: Transforming a Somerset Barn into a Sustainable Community Hub - YouTube
“Build it once, and make it last.” – Sarah Beeny
From Dairy Farm to Creative Hub
Previously part of a dairy farm, the barn has been developed into a film and TV studio, music recording space, and community centre. "Our aim is to provide young people with opportunities here in the countryside, so they don’t feel the need to leave," Sarah explained.
The barn will also serve the wider community, hosting events such as monthly tea dances for elderly and isolated residents. Sarah plans to integrate partnerships with local schools and colleges, offering work experience and educational opportunities.
Discover more about Sarah Beeny’s projects in her upcoming TV series, New Life in the Country, set to air this coming weekend.
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
At the core of this transformation is Building System UK’s Trisomet cladding system, chosen for its thermal efficiency, durability, and low environmental impact. The panels, manufactured in Shotton, Wales, feature a maintenance-free guarantee of 40 years and are recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
“We’re effectively renting the steel from Tata Steel, which will take it back and recycle it when it’s no longer needed. It’s such a brilliant concept,” said Beeny, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building materials.
“This project is a perfect example of reusing and repurposing materials to reduce waste.” – Tata Steel
The barn’s original steel frame has been preserved and reinforced, ensuring the structure's longevity. By using insulated steel panels, the project reduces heating needs and enhances energy efficiency. The sleek, industrial finish also gives the barn a striking visual appeal.
Faster, Smarter Construction
One of the standout features of this project is the speed of construction. Contractor Richard Read from Read Agri praised the ease of installation, stating: “Using Trisomet panels, we can get the roof up in a week, compared to months with traditional methods. It’s fast, cost-effective, and efficient.”
This rapid build process allowed the team to focus on interior work sooner, saving both time and money. The project also integrates other innovative materials such as Tata Steel’s ComFlor®, a composite decking system for flooring that combines galvanized steel with poured concrete.
Why Steel is the Future of Sustainable Building
With growing interest in sustainable construction, projects like this demonstrate why steel is becoming a popular choice for both commercial and residential use. Matt Teague of Tata Steel highlighted the advantages of Trisomet: “Its thermal qualities rival traditional twin-skin walls, and it’s virtually maintenance-free.”
The steel panels also contribute to a circular economy. “As we decarbonise, having reusable materials is vital,” Matt added. Tata Steel’s commitment to circularity ensures that materials like Trisomet not only perform exceptionally during their lifespan but also have a minimal environmental footprint.
“Working with steel has been a revelation. It’s cost-effective, looks fantastic, and requires minimal maintenance” - Sarah Beeny.
Coming Soon: Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country
The barn’s transformation will feature in Sarah Beeny’s upcoming series, New Life in the Country. The show will detail how the project has utilized British-made steel to create a space that combines functionality, sustainability, and community impact.
About Tata Steel
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
- Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
- Tata Steel is the largest steelmaker in the UK with primary steelmaking at Port Talbot in South Wales supporting manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France and Germany. It also benefits from a network of international sales offices around the world.
- Tata Steel employs more than 8,000 people and has an annual crude steel capacity of 5 million tonnes, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
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