Case Study: Bespoke Curved Timber Screens for a Barn Conversion in Northumberland
Handmade curved timber screens, French doors and fixed glazing for a character rural home
H&C Joinery manufactured and installed five bespoke curved timber screens for a barn conversion in Northumberland, combining traditional timber craftsmanship with modern glazing, security and finishing performance.
The project included a carefully coordinated mix of French doors, single doors and fixed glazed screens, all designed to sit comfortably within the character of the converted building while making the most of the surrounding garden views.
Manufactured using Sapele hardwood and Accoya modified timber, the screens were finished with A+ rated glazing, Secured by Design multipoint locking systems and a factory-applied microporous paint system for long-term durability.
Project Specifications
Project detail | Information |
Project type | Bespoke curved timber screens |
Property type | Barn conversion / rural home |
Location | Northumberland |
H&C role | Manufacture and installation |
Joinery supplied | French doors, single doors and fixed glazed screens |
Number of screens | Five bespoke curved screens |
Timber used | Sapele hardwood and Accoya modified timber |
Glazing | A+ rated glazing |
Security | Secured by Design multipoint locking systems |
Finish | Factory-applied microporous paint system |
Key requirement | Characterful timber screens with slim glazing bars and open garden views |
Project brief
The property needed a set of bespoke glazed screens that would suit the proportions and character of a barn conversion while improving the connection between the home and its outside space.
Rather than using standard off-the-shelf doors or windows, the design called for handmade timber screens that could work with the shape and style of the building. The client needed a solution that looked natural within the converted barn, offered strong day-to-day performance, and allowed as much light and outlook as possible.
The brief centred on three practical priorities:
- Create a coordinated set of curved timber screens across five openings.
- Include a mix of French doors, single doors and fixed glazed sections.
- Keep the glazing bars narrow to preserve clear views out to the garden.
The challenge
Curved timber screens require a more specialist approach than standard rectangular windows or doors.
Each screen needed to be accurately made to suit the building opening, while also maintaining a consistent design language across the full set. The curved heads, door sections, fixed glazed panels and glazing bar details all had to work together visually.
The challenge was not simply to create five separate items of joinery. It was to create a complete package that felt balanced, elegant and appropriate for the property.
The project also needed to deliver modern levels of performance without losing the warmth and character of real timber. That meant careful consideration of timber selection, glazing, locking systems and paint finish.
H&C Joinery’s approach
H&C manufactured the screens using a combination of Sapele hardwood and Accoya modified timber.
Sapele was selected for its strength, stability and suitability for high-quality external joinery. Accoya was used where its durability and dimensional stability could support long-term performance, especially in areas exposed to changing weather conditions.
The screens were designed with narrow glazing bars to keep the appearance refined and avoid interrupting the view out to the garden. This was particularly important for a barn conversion, where large openings and natural light are often central to the feel of the home.
The joinery package included:
- Curved fixed glazed screens
- French door sets
- Single external doors
- Slim glazing bar detailing
- A+ rated glazing
- Multipoint locking systems
- Factory-applied microporous paint finish
The factory-applied microporous paint system helped provide a durable, controlled finish before installation. This type of finish allows the timber to breathe while helping protect the surface from moisture and weather exposure.
Performance, security and appearance
Although the project had a strong visual focus, the finished joinery also needed to perform as part of a lived-in home.
The A+ rated glazing helped improve thermal performance compared with traditional single glazing, while the Secured by Design multipoint locking systems gave the external doors a higher level of practical security.
The result was a set of timber screens that combined:
- Traditional handmade joinery
- Curved detailing suited to the barn conversion
- Better natural light
- Clear garden views
- Secure external access
- A high-quality painted finish
- Long-term external durability
This balance of appearance and performance is central to many H&C projects, especially where homeowners want timber windows and doors that respect the property rather than looking like a standard modern replacement.
Why this project matters
The result
The completed curved timber screens gave the barn conversion a distinctive, high-quality finish while allowing the property to feel lighter and more connected to its outdoor setting.
The narrow glazing bars kept the views open, while the curved design helped the screens feel purpose-made for the building rather than added as an afterthought.
By combining Sapele hardwood, Accoya modified timber, A+ rated glazing, multipoint locking and a factory-applied microporous paint system, H&C delivered a bespoke solution that was both visually refined and practical for everyday use.
Why fit Bespoke Timber Joinery?
This Northumberland barn conversion is a strong example of how bespoke timber joinery can solve problems that standard windows and doors cannot.
For period homes, rural properties, barn conversions and character buildings, the right joinery needs to do more than simply fill an opening. It needs to suit the architecture, improve comfort, protect the building and look like it belongs.
H&C Joinery regularly manufactures bespoke timber windows, external doors and glazed screens for homes where quality, fit and appearance matter.
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FAQs about bespoke timber screens for barn conversions
Can timber screens be made to fit curved openings?
Yes. Bespoke timber screens can be manufactured to suit curved, arched or non-standard openings, provided the measurements, design details and site requirements are properly considered. This is one of the main advantages of handmade joinery over standard off-the-shelf products.
What timber is best for external doors and glazed screens?
The best timber depends on the project, exposure and required finish. Sapele hardwood and Accoya modified timber are both strong options for external joinery. Sapele offers strength and a high-quality hardwood appearance, while Accoya is valued for its durability and stability.
Can bespoke timber doors include modern security?
Yes. Handmade timber doors can be fitted with modern locking systems, including multipoint locks. On this project, H&C used Secured by Design multipoint locking systems to provide practical security while retaining the appearance of traditional timber joinery.
Are bespoke timber windows and doors suitable for barn conversions?
Yes. Barn conversions often have unusual openings, larger glazed areas and character details that do not suit standard products. Bespoke timber joinery allows the windows, doors and screens to be made around the building rather than forcing the building to accept a standard size or design.