Barn conversion leads to BA (Hons)

Converting a disused barn into a health spa is all in a day’s design work for University of Teesside graduate Chris Dobson. Chris, 22, from Wingate in South Durham, will be awarded a first class BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design from the University today, Thursday 22 November. He now works as a Junior Interior and Architectural Assistant.

Chris came to the University with good A level results from Durham Sixth Form College in Art, Design & Technology with Graphics, Psychology and General Studies. He followed these with a foundation diploma in Art with Merit at Cleveland College of Art & Design. Chris said: ‘I chose the degree because I really enjoy space planning and re-designing the internal space of buildings. I particularly enjoy visualising how a space will look when completed. It's great to take an existing space and design something fresh and new. The course really allowed us to explore our creative sides.’ For Chris’ final project he chose to design a luxury health spa, based in an unused barn building in the village of Elwick, near Hartlepool. The project won Best on the Course at the University’s annual Design Degree show.

Chris added: ‘I enjoy converting barns and done so before in previous projects. The style and aesthetic of the building used suited the purpose of a health spa. The modern style I created was a mix of tradition barn features with a contemporary edge using glass and modern fittings. Facilities ranged from a restaurant, guest accommodation to treatment and meditation zones. Every one who viewed the project, including the site owners, really liked the scheme and overall aesthetic. I was delighted to get a first.’ Chris now works in Richmond, North Yorkshire for the Architectural Practice Harris Irwin Architects Ltd as a Junior Interior and Architectural Assistant

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