Heading: Peter Fabo
The latest project by Facha architekti is a residential space within a rural homestead. As its name suggests, The Box in the Barn is a small living unit incorporated into an old barn. Originally, the architects planned to renovate a residential part of the farmstead, but later on decided to create a new dwelling located inside a large 150 m² barn.
The Box in the Barn by Facha architekti
The Box in the Barn is a contemporary 50m² living space inserted into the farmstead barn while preserving its authentic character. The insertion serves as a structurally independent dwelling that mimics the geometry of the barn. A volume made of timber and wrapped in a black asphalt façade creates a tension between the old structure and the new contemporary design.
Opening through the landscape
A key design motif was the visual axis running from the threshing floor of the open barn, through the orchard of mature apple trees, and further into the wider landscape. A visual axis running through the thresh is reflected in the layout of the structure and the position of a large panoramic window and the dining table.
The Box in the Barn is slightly elevated above the ground and the floor of the original barn, which runs freely underneath the inserted structure. A concrete surface in front of the object extends seamlessly from the courtyard, guiding the visitors from the exterior through the open barn space and further to the interior.
The Birch plywood interior
The interior design emphasises the natural materiality. Shaped by its minimal formal gestures, the interior is designed in a restrained manner. The Birch plywood dominates the material palette. Black-dyed MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboards) are used to create the building blocks hosting the bathroom, kitchen and storage spaces.
Heating and isolation
KVH beams are the building blocks of the volumes’ lightweight timber frame featuring a vapour-open assembly. Initially created for seasonal use, the Box in the Barn is equipped with insulation and an underfloor heating system, making it suitable for year-round occupancy. The barn that encircles the volume provides additional insulation, serving as a natural climatic buffer. The barn protects the inserted space from overheating and adverse weather conditions.
The Box in the Barn presents a sustainable living space inserted within a larger farm barn structure. By placing one volume inside another, the architects not only repurposed an existing structure and its materials but also reduced the need for additional insulation and heating. Originally designed as seasonal accommodation, the space has evolved into a cosy home that provides everything needed for comfortable year-round living.
Technical sheet:
Completion year: 2025
Built-up area: 150 m² barn
Gross floor area: 50 m² insertion
Usable floor area: 42,5 m² insertion
Studio: Facha architekti
Author: Matěj Nepustil, Martin Chlanda, Andrea Sobotková, Jana Fischerová
Collaborators and suppliers: Timber structure: Drebo [David Böhm]
Façade and finishing works: Facha architekti
Steel staircase and metalwork: miriki studio
Built-in furniture: Aman Original
Featured brands: Gerflor, Maron, Artemide, BETON-Těšovice, Loxone, SANELA, Sapho, TON
