frank minnaërt turns an old barn into a modern country house in lormes

french architect frank minnaërt’s project is located on the outskirts of a village in the morvan regional natural park in lormes, france — a protected area of woodlands, lakes and traditional farmland. a couple from paris asked the architect to renovate their old stone farm barn into a liveable country house.

the western façade of the site | all images © LMNB

minnaërt designed a big kitchen, which — as well as the rest of the interior — is mostly made of wood. a large 300 x 300 centimeter opening, which allows light to enter the kitchen from outside, has a deep concrete frame contrasting with the stone façade of the building.

the kitchen is mostly made of timber

a timber grid organizes the geometry of the room with furniture integrated into the stairs. the kitchen is the most important room of the house, dedicated to the preparation and storage of products from the garden and local agriculture.

the kitchen settings are integrated into the stairs

the floor, walls and ceiling of the bedroom form a continuous plywood ribbon. the mezzanine is accessible by a ramp with steps that allows continuity between the two levels. a railing is made of a nylon mesh. the living room settings are also made from plywood, while a large recess contains a home cinema equipment and a seat. a custom-made tub is arranged in the bathroom and the floor is lined with ceramic tiles.

the bedroom 

the living room

    
the bathroom

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project info:

project area: 128 sqm

completion: 12/2017

general contractor: 2amts

photo: LMNB