studio farris transforms a stable in belgium with stacked timber unit
all images by koen van damme

 

 

 

antwerp-based practice studio farris architects has transformed a small barn in flanders, belgium into an office that features a meeting room, library, and desks. the building’s original façade was restored, before new openings were created to bring daylight inside the former stable. an updated interior has been fitted within the original volume, consisting of a shell that accentuates the structure’s pure form. this method both improves energy efficiency and avoids any chemical reactions with sulphates in the ground, or the original walls.

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
the former barn has been converted into a functional office

 

 

 

instead of adding an extra floor, an autonomous piece of furniture has been positioned at the center of the plan. made from stacked wooden beams, the object transforms the volume, creating a series of different spaces to engage with. at its peak, several workspaces have been established, accommodating two desks. a meeting area is formed beneath the platform with external views across the rural landscape. the stacked beams not only become the library and its bookshelves, but also form a staircase leading upwards to the elevated office.

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
the building’s original façade was completely restored

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
an autonomous piece of furniture has been positioned at the center of the plan

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
made from stacked wooden beams, the object transforms the volume

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
a meeting area is formed beneath the platform, with external views across the rural landscape

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
the stacked beams become the library and its bookshelves

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
at its peak, several workspaces have been established

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
two desks are accommodated

studio-farris-architects-stable-in-west-flanders-barn-conversion-belgium-designboom-02
a new interior has been fitted within the original volume

 

drawings

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studio farris architects stable in west flanders barn conversion belgium designboom
 
studio farris architects stable in west flanders barn conversion belgium designboom
 
studio farris architects stable in west flanders barn conversion belgium designboom
 

 

project info:

 

architect: studio farris architects
project name: stable in west flanders
client: private
location: west flanders, belgium
contractor: vooruitzicht – art
structural engineering: brosens
site area: 8 hectares
floor area: 100 sqm
completed: january 2016
photography: koen van damme