modern barn houses
Inspired by agricultural buildings, modern barn houses re-imagine the rustic design in vastly different ways. Although they reference the same simple silhouette of barns and their material palette, these dwellings look diverse and distinctive. That’s because talented architects reinterpret the barn archetype in creative ways. On this page, you can discover the array of designs that follow the barn house typology. From renovation projects to new builds, these modern barn houses blend tradition and contemporary design. Furthermore, they’re a great example of how an inventive approach to architecture can become inspiring.
Modern barn houses include careful restorations of 19th-century buildings and renovations of old agricultural structures. These projects celebrate the past but also modernize interiors for comfortable living. Other projects reference vernacular architecture in a contemporary form. Stone houses in the Italian countryside, wood clad buildings with glazed facades, and houses with fenestration that re-imagines traditional shutters all fall in this category.
Nestled in pastoral settings, modern barn dwellings and weekend retreats look at home in natural landscapes thanks to their simple, honest design. Natural materials reinforce this further. Apart from wood cladding or exposed brick walls, many houses also feature Corten steel or natural stone exteriors. The traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique provides a great way to protect wood boards while giving barn houses a modern look. Other features may include asymmetrical roofs and fenestration, skylights, and irregular openings that frame the views and also optimize ventilation. Whether designed with one, two, or three stories, these barn-like dwellings sit lightly on the land they call home. Apart from thoughtful designs that respect the local context, they also feature sustainable materials along with eco-friendly heating and cooling systems.
Latest Articles
Karangahake House
AER House
Architecture
A modern house that re-imagines the traditional barn design. Built in Onesse-Laharie, within an “airial”,…
A Reclaimed Wood and Corten Steel Barn House
Architecture
A barn-like retreat designed to look at home among rolling hills and agricultural buildings. Nestled…
The Dogtrot Residence By CLB Architects
Architecture
A contemporary, Corten house inspired by dogtrot barns. Built in a gorgeous landscape outside of…
Hudson Fieldhouse
Portola Valley Barn
Architecture
A rustic-style dwelling that houses bright, contemporary spaces. Built in Portola Valley, California, this charming…
Pink House By Mezzo Atelier
Architecture
A stable built at the beginning of the 20th century becomes a contemporary guesthouse. Built…
Modern Contemporary Barn House In Sebastopol By Anderson and Anderson Architecture
Architecture
This traditional looking barn may look like it’s always been in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, but…
A Modern Italian Stone House – AP House By GGA Architects
Park Corner Barn
Architecture
The charming Park Corner Barn has an interesting history. It was built in the late…
The Barn By Antonin Ziegler
Architecture
In a similar way to the minimalist house extension and writer’s retreat designed by architect…
A 19th Century Old Barn Transformation By Charles Pictet
Architecture
This sprawling estate located in Landecy, Switzerland, has remained in the property of the same…
The Barn By CLB Architects
Fiore By Salmela Architect
Architecture
Fiore means flower in Italian. A fitting name for a house that rises from the…
The Cob
Around the World
Located in Bude, a small and peaceful seaside town in Cornwall, England, this private retreat…
BS Residence By Vincent Van Duysen
Architecture
Architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen is internationally renowned and revered for his distinct style…
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