sigurd larsen adds barn house to historical property in new york state

danish architect sigurd larsen’s ‘barn house’ adds a dash of modernity to a sprawling meadow property in new york state. in lieu of a masterplan, each building on the plot has been constructed in a gradual fashion, connected to the others by a shared individualism rather than rigid architectural language.

north west façade and corner
images © sigurd larsen

the ‘barn house’ extends from the main structure and keeps with the saddle-roof vernacular. it is fashioned in timber featuring a charred, silver-tinted cedar façade that stands in stark contrast to a bright interior of birch. a large, open sleeping area composes most of the dwelling’s upper section, accompanied by a bathroom and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that signals connection to the original cottage.

video courtesy of sigurd larsen

in the lower section, accessible outdoors only, is a work space with secondary bath and utility room. like its counter-part above, larsen took extreme care in the orienting each window. serving as a vivid composition as well as window, all frame specific views of the landscape, sky, and/or surrounding barns. the ‘barn house’, designed by architect sigurd larsen, is located in new york, USA. 

years apart, but standing side by side

the cedar façade is charred to seal from weather, and also creates an interesting surface texture

light birch construction inside contrasts with the dark timber exterior 

forest and sky frames

looking south 

entrance via original structure

framed views from interior 

elevations

plan

existing and possible structures on the wooded property

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