Modern, sustainable barn conversion with Velfac windows

We’ve just published the second video on the new okoHaus YouTube channel. In this episode, we visit Braham Hall Barns near Manningtree in Essex. Technically, it’s two projects in one: two neighbouring farm buildings being converted into comfortable, eco-friendly, and sustainable homes.

In the video, okoHaus founder John Lewis guides us around the site and highlights some of the key architectural features, including the curved zinc roofs and subtle nods to the buildings’ agricultural past. A major part of the project is the installation of large glazed windows, which are being supplied and fitted by okoHaus.

This is also the first video on the channel to feature our SmartLift in action. The SmartLift is an exceptional tool for installing large windows both accurately and safely. Watching the team work, it all looks effortless, but there’s a great deal of skill and experience behind each installation.

Velfac window and door systems were chosen for their modern glazing performance and strong sustainability credentials. In this video, John takes us through the various Velfac solutions used on-site, including sliding doors, top-guided windows, and Ribo doors. Velfac was selected for its consistent frame design, smooth integration with the rest of the build, and its clean, modern appearance. These windows sit flush with contemporary materials, giving crisp, uninterrupted sight lines.

The video also highlights the importance of colour choice. Velfac units were specified in RAL 7043 Traffic Grey B to complement the zinc roof and façade. This restrained colour palette is central to the project’s overall design language, offering visual consistency across both conversions.

We made this video to document the window installation stage of the build, which delivers an almost instant transformation to the site. While there's still interior work to be completed, the windows now secure the buildings and give a real sense of how welcoming these homes will be.

If you're planning a barn conversion, do get in touch to see how we can help. And please consider subscribing to the channel – we’ve got much more to share.