When architects are challenged by any kind of building restoration, one might say that the assembly of old and new becomes a challenge, while a story will be written and constantly whispered to every inhabitant or visitor. That’s the case of Brotherson Barn located in Oxfordshire, UK. A contemporary design was developed in order to accommodate a family program within the ancient stone walls of this restored barn house: this new approach acquires form by using its substance to incorporate, complement and unify the remaining of the existing structure. Continue reading →

In Eelde, The Netherlands, there’s a house that captures the essence of ancient forms. A domestic architecture follows the shape and volume associated to a different kind of program: a barn! Despite the perceptible similarities with a traditional Dutch barn, this two-story building is all about modern details and ambiance. Let’s explore this wonderful countryside home a bit more… Continue reading →

Living in a traditional farm with all the modern comfort – Isn’t this the most amazing combination of all? In Soglio, Switzerland, a vacant structure previously used as a barn has turned into an exquisite single family house.

However, I can assure you that this fine building transcends all the usual solutions of redevelopment… Craftsmanship stands as a distinctive symbol of the magical merge between traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Continue reading →

A small modern farmhouse rests quietly in the countryside of Iowa… This 88 sq. m. building irradiates a peaceful and serene atmosphere to the pastoral acres that surround it in all directions. Carefully positioned, the Yum Yum Farm blends modern design with a rural landscape – Quite a challenging union for such an apparent opposite elements… Continue reading →

Located in Wisconsin, the Field House is a family home that assembles the shape of a barn… A rural landscape has its silhouette enriched by this contemporary building. This modern barn house reinterprets the utilitarian visual of the agrarian terrain, complementing rather than overriding its neighbors. Continue reading →

There are so many projects that are ecologically orientated, so many projects that claim to use as much as possible in terms of natural resources and local environment, that sometimes it’s a bit difficult to get impressed by these “green” features. Yet, the 3,465 sq. ft. Estate in Extramadura, Spain, is very impressive.

The natural aspects are combined so vigorously here, that you can’t decide what was the crucial factor of such a cool and harmonious project realization – whether it was the will and world perception of the owners (who have always loved the countryside), or the talent of the architects who created such a fashionable, yet Eco-friendly house… Continue reading →

Alchemy Architects declare: Everyone loves barns. As they describe their Blair Barn House project in Wisconsin. Somehow it didn’t persuade me. Why should I love barns…Is there something I’m missing here? I went to explore this object only because the look of the building in the landscape seemed interesting to me. I came to the conclusion that it is a nice cube house.
The most peculiar thing about the shape of the building is that the edges of the cube are twisted, so that the whole silhouette seems odd, uneven, friendly and interesting. This outline is better readable also due to the position of the house – it is located at the top of a small hill. Continue reading →

Oh, the Highlands, the piece of nature so beloved by the great Robert Burns. But let’s not get too lyrical… it’s not the hills of the Highlands themselves I am going to tell you about, it’s a peculiar house on a lake which caught my attention this time. The Leachachan Barn is situated on the banks of Loch Duich in the Western Highlands of Scotland. A pretty barn house, I would say, with an area of 1,200 sq. ft. and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Continue reading →

What was once an old and neglected 150-acre farm has been transformed into a beautiful rural dream. The property belongs to the Dormers who bought it as their second home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It consists of a large Amish barn, more than a century old, tool shed, greenhouse, and five ‘view houses’ – each one portraying a blend of glamour and rustic charm. Continue reading →

A neglected 110-year-old barn house needed some ‘updating’. Restoring and preserving the old structure was no easy task, however, I must admit the owners and architect did a brilliant job, featuring some of the most creative design solutions I have seen in quite some time; the result is a delightful disarray – a neo-Gothic barn with a modern twist. Continue reading →