kwint architecten: a barn in the countryside

‘a barn in the countryside’ by kwint architecten, eelde, the netherlands all images courtesy of kwint architecten

dutch practice kwint architecten has recently completed ‘a barn in the countryside’, a residence integrated into an existing vernacular structure south of the city of eelde, the netherlands. maintaining the traditional gabled roof form of the drenthe barn, this dwelling maintains the aesthetic of the regional typology without preservation while adding contemporary spatial needs of inhabitants living outside of the city limits. reinterpreting the barn as a home, the exterior is sheathed with a layer of horizontal wooden blinds, allowing air to ventilate into a transitory covered space before entering the interior.

concealed and integrated into the cladding, large barn-style doors may remain closed for privacy or swung open for additional daylight. the appendage ma be positioned perpendicular to the facade to offer framed views of the encompassing fields from the perimeter outdoor rooms and living areas. bordering two sides of the home, a dark wood deck creates a contrasting plinth for the steel framework and light wood of the external shell as well as an outdoor area to receive the southern sun.

approach to the dwelling

the exterior is sheathed with a layer of wooden blinds

wooden deck continues through the exterior shell of wooden blinds to the dwelling enclosure

integrated into the facade’s cladding, large barn-style doors open views to the countryside

facade detail

outdoor room enclosed with the wooden blinds

outward view to the encompassing fields

kitchen

bathroom

view from the upper level

at night

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

project info:

living space: 320m2

contractor: buiteveld, oosterwolde steel construction: graafstra, oosterwolde interior: linthorst, lunteren materials: western red cedar, olympic stain, zink-coated aluminium, steel photographers: erik hesmerg, jan bartelsman