The Maidens' Barn

James and Lyndsey bought Sgubor Rhiannedd - the Maidens' Barn - in 2008. Working with their architect friend from Cardiff, David Williams, they are converting the 18th century stone barn into a two-storey residence.

The intention is to use a range of environmentally friendly products in order to create a sustainable home, which minimises its negative impacts during construction, as well as once it is complete.

This means recycling or re-using original materials; making use of other reclaimed building materials; using timber from sustainable sources; using lime instead of cement, plaster and concrete; using innovative products; and sourcing locally.

It also means thinking about how the building will use and conserve energy. How the barn will be heated and insulated are therefore key considerations.

But this is not a particularly 'grand design'. The aim is to demonstrate how a bit of common sense and a modest budget can achieve a more sustainable home.