Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Architect Visit: Barn-Like Living (Only Better)

Search

Architect Visit: Barn-Like Living (Only Better)

October 18, 2013

Do you dream, like I do, of living in a barn? The big caveat, of course, is that you need to have a barn to convert. Typically that involves either owning property that happens to have a few spare barns or transporting a barn from some place else. Prague-based Studio Pha offers a third option in the village of KlokocÌŒná, in the Czech Republic: building a new open structure that’s economical, conducive to the openness of modern living, and, yes, inspired by the shape and feel of old barns.

Photography by Filip Å lapal via ArchDaily.
Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 3

Above: Studio Pha designed two barn-like structures for this family compound. The white one is the house and the gray, the garage and utility space.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 4

Above: Typical barn construction is evident in the exposed bolts on the beams.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 5

Above: Black ceramic tiles are durable and easy to maintain in the entry hall.

Family House   105  n  106   Prague Studio pha open living room

Above: The kitchen, dining, and living areas are in one open space.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 7

Above: The beams run into the ceiling soffit, which has been built over the kitchen to hide the ductwork from the extractor fan.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 8

Above: The ceiling soffit extends to the exterior porch.

Family House   105  n  106   Prague Studio pha white stairwell wood stairs

Above: A thin skylight runs the length of the slope of the roof and provides natural light for the stairwell.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 10

Above: A fluorescent tube echoes the light from the skylight. 

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 11

Above: Rays of light formed by two thin skylights that run down the slope of the roof accentuate the shape of the barn.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 12

Above: The architects created a simple and balanced composition from basic bathroom components.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 13

Above: The barn-like utility building and garage stands next to the house.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 14

Above: The interior of the utility barn is finished with fiberboard panels. 

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 15

Above: The utility barn provides valuable storage space.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 16

Above: A small glass connector attaches the living barn to the utility barn.

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 17

Above: The two barn-like structures are differentiated by their exterior materials: painted plaster for the house and standing-seam metal for the utility building. 

Architect Visit BarnLike Living Only Better  portrait 18

Above: A section of the house illustrates its barn origins.

Never underestimate the beauty of utility.  See A Utility Barn as Architectural Moment

(Visited 363 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the architect featured in the article?

The architect featured in the article is Martin Cenek of Studio PHA in Prague.

What is the design philosophy of Studio PHA?

Studio PHA's design philosophy is to create simple, functional, and sustainable buildings that are deeply rooted in their surroundings.

What is unique about the Back-to-Basics Barn project?

The Back-to-Basics Barn project is unique in that it uses traditional barn design as a starting point while also incorporating modern materials and construction techniques.

What are some of the sustainable features of the Back-to-Basics Barn?

Some of the sustainable features of the Back-to-Basics Barn include passive solar heating, a green roof, and natural ventilation.

What is the role of the landscape in the Back-to-Basics Barn project?

The landscape plays an important role in the Back-to-Basics Barn project as it was designed to create a seamless connection between the building and its surroundings.

What are some of the challenges of designing a barn-inspired building?

Some of the challenges of designing a barn-inspired building include balancing tradition with modernity, achieving functional spaces within the unconventional building form, and meeting local building codes and regulations.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0