Architects transform an old hay barn into a stunning minimalist home

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OFIS Architects</a> have converted an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/barn-renovation/">old hay barn</a> located in Slovenia into a gorgeous living space. The barn was originally used to house cattle on the first floor and store hay on the upper level, but had been left empty for years. To convert the space into a comfortable loft space without sacrificing the building's local vernacular, the architects were determined to use as much as the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-renovation/">existing structure</a> as possible.

The Slovenian countryside is full of decrepit barns that serve as reminders of the country's dwindling rural population.

To pay respects to the local vernacular of the structure, the architects made impressive strides to use what they could of the barn's materials.

Surprisingly, they were able to maintain almost all of the external wooden cladding and concrete roof slates.

A few strategic renovations were made to include windows and an opening for the front porch to let in natural light to the home.

Inside, the home is an open floor plan with minimal furnishings. The interior floors, walls and furniture are covered in locally-sourced spruce panels, giving the interior a strong cabin feel.

The old barn has been renovated into a beautiful modern home.