Steel-Look Aluminium Doors Transform a Wiltshire Barn Conversion
November 17, 2025
By Scott Hilton
The Story Behind the Project
Nestled in the village of North Bradley near Trowbridge sits a charming rural barn that has been thoughtfully converted into a warm and inviting family home. Originally part of a working farm, the building featured classic rustic elements — timber cladding, stone floors, exposed beams — but the interior felt enclosed, and natural light didn’t travel far between rooms.
The homeowners wanted to retain the barn’s authenticity while introducing a brighter, more contemporary feel. Their vision centred around the steel-look aesthetic: slim, black-framed glazing that complements countryside character while bringing a modern industrial edge.
From Traditional Farmhouse to Contemporary Space
Before the renovation, the barn’s exterior and internal spaces felt enclosed, with small timber-framed openings and interiors typical of period agricultural buildings. The transformation focused on opening up the structure, allowing light to pass through key areas while maintaining its heritage character.
Decorio’s steel-look aluminium doors were the perfect fit. They offered the aesthetic of traditional steel glazing, but with slimmer sightlines, improved energy efficiency, and none of the maintenance challenges of real steel.
The historic converted barn before renovation
The Design Challenge
Barn conversions often come with quirks — unique openings, natural variations in stone or timber, and the need to introduce more natural light without disrupting the building’s charm.
The challenge here was to select a door system that:
respected the original structure
enhanced the interior spaces
introduced a more modern, industrial aesthetic
allowed light to move through previously enclosed areas
Decorio’s slim steel-look aluminium doors allowed the homeowners to bring contemporary style into the space without altering the building’s character.
Birds eye view of renovated foyer showcasing a perfect blend of old timber frames and new aluminium internal doors
The Result — Heritage Meets Modern Living
The completed renovation showcases how steel-look doors can redefine a space.
The external double doors now form a striking entrance into the holiday home extension, framed perfectly against the barn’s black timber cladding.
Inside, internal glazed door partitions create natural divisions between rooms without blocking light or compromising the sense of openness.
Warm materials like oak and slate balance the cool aluminium finish, keeping the space both inviting and elegant.
Each door and partition was custom-made, ensuring every detail aligned with the home’s architectural rhythm.
“We loved the industrial glazing style but didn’t want anything that felt too modern for the barn. Decorio gave us the perfect balance — the look we wanted, excellent quality, and a noticeable improvement in light throughout the house.” David (Homeowner), Cutteridge Barn, Wiltshire
Why the Steel-Look Works So Well in Barn Conversions
Respectful to heritage design: Slim frames echo traditional craftsmanship without overpowering character features.
Improves light flow: Perfect for older buildings that often have limited natural light.
Low maintenance: Aluminium frames require little upkeep compared to steel or timber.
Energy efficient: Thermally broken profiles meet modern building standards.
For period homes in conservation areas, steel-look aluminium doors strike the perfect balance — heritage appeal, modern performance.
A Showcase in Modern Heritage Design
Cutteridge Barn is now a masterclass in how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a historic property. The result is a light-filled, cohesive home that celebrates its agricultural past while embracing the simplicity of modern living.
Looking to Achieve a Similar Look?
Whether you’re renovating a barn, updating a farmhouse, or planning an extension, Decorio’s steel-look aluminium collection offers flexibility, style, and performance to suit any setting.
Whether you're in the early stages of planning or ready to explore design options our team is happy to help with any questions about aluminium steel-look systems. Call us on 0125388580 or contact us directly via email at sales@decorio-doors.com
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