Bold barn house

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Design: 2018
Completed: 2020

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Built by Bouwbedrijf ter Reehorst
Structural engineering by JV2 Bouwadvies
Interior design by Jos van Zijl

On a unique plot in a bold polder landscape, the clients wished to realise a contemporary, sustainable and comfortable barn house.

The setting is truly unique. The beautiful surroundings can change completely in atmosphere depending on the weather, the time of day and the season. Maximising the experience of the surroundings within the home was a key starting point for the brief.

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In the area stand several authentic barns with black timber cladding and red tiled roofs. The decision was made to create a contemporary interpretation of these.

The design consists of two connected volumes with a black facade and large tiled roof. The larger volume contains all the main living functions; the lower section with a gently sloping grass roof houses the studio and gym.

The exterior has the rougher barn character with the black timber boards, the sliding shutters with visible rails and the undulating tiled roof. In contrast, the interior architect incorporated various refined, soft and natural elements.

The black timber boards are applied in a pattern of alternating widths to give the facade a subtle extra layer of depth. The dark sliding shutters provide the desired shade on sunny days and also keep the free-roaming chickens out.

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The large pitched roof is finished with subtly nuanced red tiles. The gently sloping roof is entirely covered with sedum, which creates a beautiful view seen through the large skylights from the landing.

The view from the home over the beautiful surroundings was a very important starting point. On the ground floor, several large panoramic sliding doors were used.

Each orientation offers a slightly different view: a long view over the polder from the kitchen and a more intimate view over a meadow from the living area. The dining table sits between the two and enjoys both views.

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On the upper floor, where all the bedrooms are located, the focus is more inward. Several smaller and larger windows there create the effect of living paintings on the wall. Yet the closer you move to a window, the more the experience of the surroundings grows.

Throughout the entire design and detailing process, 3D software and virtual reality were used. The effect of the various windows, the double-height space with skylights, the views through the veranda and the sightlines to the context all became immediately clear.

The structural design was also incorporated into the 3D model, along with all service runs and key details. Any clashes between these elements were immediately visible and could be resolved during the design stage.

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Changes to the design and details were continuously shared digitally with the clients, allowing them to review everything using their own virtual reality headset. Making decisions became even easier as a result.