In the picturesque town of Dobříš, nestled against the serene backdrop of the Brdy Hills, a family’s dream merged with architectural brilliance to revive a forgotten barn. The project, led by Karnet Architekti, is an inspired tale of heritage preservation, innovation, and thoughtful design. Václav and Marie, the homeowners, envisioned a home that would honor their past while nurturing a bright future for their family.
The Forgotten Barn is more than a residence—it’s a harmonious dialogue between history and modernity, where every stone tells a story, and every beam supports new memories.
A Home Within a Barn
At first glance, the barn was a crumbling relic, its stone walls whispering of a bygone era. Originally considered for demolition, the family instead saw potential in its aged beauty. The solution was bold yet respectful: the barn’s sturdy shell was retained, and a prefabricated wooden house was carefully nestled within its walls.
This approach preserved the barn’s historic character while ensuring a comfortable, modern living space. The new structure sits independently within the stone enclosure, maintaining the integrity of the original masonry. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, where boundaries between interior and exterior blur, inviting nature and history into the home.
Preserving the Past with Precision
The barn, dating back to at least 1912, required meticulous restoration. Plaster, extensions, and aged wooden elements were stripped away, revealing the authentic brick-and-stone façade. Though without foundations, the walls were stabilized with concrete overlays and additional cladding to prevent further decay.
The roof, once sagging under its age, was removed and replaced with a design that incorporates modern functionality while respecting the barn’s character. Original ventilation openings were reopened, and a steel structure replaced a deteriorating bracing wall, ensuring structural stability. These careful interventions reflect a deep respect for the barn’s historical essence.
The Craft of Reinvention
The timber structure inserted within the barn is a marvel of design and engineering. Collaborating with Martinice Group, the architects devised a roof and wall system that elegantly extends over the stone walls, shielding them from the elements. This slender, efficient design maximized interior space while maintaining breathability through a diffusely open wall assembly.
Large-format windows and a glazed roof section flood the interiors with natural light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The layout respects the barn’s original architecture, with vaulted stone passages framing the living spaces and terraces.
Two Gardens, Endless Charm
The barn’s central position divides the plot into two distinct gardens, each with unique qualities. The northern garden, quieter and shaded, contrasts with the southern garden bathed in sunlight. This duality influences daily life, offering spaces for relaxation or practical use depending on the time of day.
Terraces on either side of the barn allow the family to enjoy the changing lights and seasons. The morning sun greets the eastern-facing bedrooms, while the southern terrace becomes a sanctuary for afternoon relaxation. The thoughtful orientation ensures that the home feels connected to its surroundings at every moment.
Living Lightly
Inside, the design prioritizes comfort and functionality. The living area, kitchen, and dining room are open and interconnected, fostering family interaction. Upstairs, the bedrooms, study, and guest room are thoughtfully arranged to balance privacy and communal living.
Sustainability plays a key role in material selection and construction techniques, ensuring the home is not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Forgotten Barn showcases the remarkable potential of thoughtful design and heritage preservation. Karnet Architekti has reimagined a deteriorating structure as a vibrant family home, seamlessly blending history with contemporary living to create a space where past and present coexist beautifully.
This architecture project is a fine example of how modern architecture can honor the past while embracing the present—a beacon for anyone seeking to create meaningful spaces that endure for generations.
All images © by Karnet Architekti and Petr Polák. Explore other architectural masterpieces from around the globe on WE AND THE COLOR.
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