MOOARC Transforms a 15th Century Stone Barn Into a Light-Infused Modern Home

A radical retrofit undertaken by the architects of <a href="http://www.mooarc.com/Notebook/?p=527">MOOARCH</a> turned a 15th century stone barn into a contemporary light filled home on the foggy island of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernsey">Guernsey</a>. The British island, just off the Normandy Coast, has exceptionally mild weather, but sunshine is rarely in the cards. The retrofit and addition of the old stone building was infused with glass to encourage the meek natural light to penetrate the living space, creating a more comfortable space year round. With a bold modernist addition, and open and cheery converted living space, the La Concha House is a thoughtful and innovative approach to upgrading an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/white-house-scottish-ruins-transformed-into-modern-low-impact-home/">existing stone building</a> of another age.

What is striking about the home is how well integrated the new is with the old. Relying on modern glass and old stone walls the fusion creates a mix of hard and soft, and the result is a open light filled environment.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/300-year-old-barn-renovated-with-prefab-inserts-daylighting-and-a-ventilating-roof/">old barn was converted</a> to the main living space with formal dining and the kitchen below and a recreation space in the loft above.

The slate roof was opened at the peak for <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/let-the-sun-shine-in-with-skylights/index.html">skylights </a>to run the length of the ceiling.

While all this overhead glass would be a disaster in most regions -- from cold winters to overheating during summer -- Guernsey Island’s unusually temperate climate averages 46 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

A double height window slides to the side like a barn door, opening the dining space directly to the garden.

Dining area detail.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/robert-oshatzs-floating-fennell-house-is-a-passive-riverside-dream-home/">glass laden space</a> is most evident in the addition, which is approached through a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/andrew-maynard-unveils-redesigned-green-roofed-warehouse-home/">glass floor </a>and bridge.

Bringing the outside in.

The bedrooms and bath share a wall that is not much more than a glass curtain overlooking the backyard.

The relationship of the transparent glass and the thick field stone walls that bookend the space create a satisfying tension within the design.