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A new take on a familiar typology, the architects at SeARCH ^[4] have converted this old farmyard ^[5] in the Netherlands ^[6]into a unique housing complex called the Wolzak Farm. Hoping to stay in-tune with the rustic feel of the original buildings and the surrounding fields, founding architect Bjarne Mastenbroek ^[7] rehabilitated part of the existing barn, while constructing an addition that could join all the existing structures into a unified home. The resulting structure is a modern beauty that pays respect to the tradition of agrarian architecture.

Mastenbroek first removed the shabby livestock barn ^[8], replacing it with a new structure that joins the main building to the others, in a slightly skewed T-formation. The original “main building” has been converted into living quarters and private bedrooms. The new extension has been constructed from prefabricated ^[9] wooden panels. The home plays host to a large open-plan kitchen, a work room and a guest bedroom.

The wooden slats of the extension are interrupted halfway down with floor-to-roof windows/skylights ^[10], which allow natural light permeates the interior to illuminate the entire addition. This conservatory-like portion separates the private residential area from the workspace and garden shed.

To maintain the farm-fresh rustic feel ^[11], exposed timber continues throughout the interior — from the uniform slats to the natural misshapen beams that once supported the barn structure.

Outside of the complex, Mastenbroek left the freestanding barn ^[12] as is. Originally intended for a guest house, plans are to turn it into a swimming pool. The Wolzak residence has the appearance of being both closed and open, with its large wall-to-roof windows, and slatted addition. Both modern and rustic ^[13], the conversion respects the original structure with an updated edge.

+ SeARCH ^[4]

Via DigsDigs ^[14]