beudy banc BARN – Sleeps 8

The perfect rural getaway

The first zero-carbon dwelling in Wales

Beudy Banc barn was converted in 2003 from a former slate-built cow shed to be a luxurious holiday cottage by Architect and owner, Dafydd Tomos. Being entirely off-grid, it makes sense to make the building as energy efficient as possible. The building achieves its impressive ‘zero-carbon’ status by a combination of super insulation, passive solar design ensuring the south facing windows provide natural warming sunlight, wood-fuelled heating and photovoltaic panels to provide all the electricity used at the barn. The recent installation of a wind turbine means that continuous, clean, renewable power is available throughout the year, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable stay with minimal environmental impact. 

Following a period of post-occupancy energy monitoring, initial calculations have indicated that Beudy Banc barn is believed to be the first zero-carbon dwelling in Wales, and the first zero-carbon barn conversion in the UK.

The architects and project managers at George+Tomos are excited that the project demonstrates how the ambitious targets and aspirations set by Welsh Assembly government can be reached. The project has also made use of the wealth of knowledge and expertise available in the Dyfi Valley area in renewable technologies and construction.

Image: © VisitWales / walesonview.com