When designer Joséphine Gintzburger was asked to convert the interior of this historic barn into a contemporary residence, she established a delicate balance between the original structure and the requested intervention. The barn was configured as a series of repeating heavy timber bents that define space at fixed intervals. The conversion shows great deference to these monumental wooden structural members, leaving them exposed, visible, and easily appreciated from any room in the residence. The structure bents are quite tall, with generous lofted rooms fitting above massive timber members in certain places. Elsewhere, the space above these timbers is left open, so that certain ground-floor spaces becomes double-height volumes. Gintzburger judiciously exaggerates certain contrasts between materiality and era: a delicate steel-structure floor and stair float between timber bents; a steel I-beam is painted black, distinguishing it from the rest of the structure members. Certain parts the original exterior walls are removed so that large swaths of glazing illuminate the interior space and connect to the landscape. Even so, the exterior remains unassumingly historic and agrarian, maintaining its traditional materials palette and relationship to surrounding structures.

via

    string(7) "Cameron"
Avatar photo

Cameron

Cameron is a designer and holds degrees in urban studies and architecture, and has a background in grassroots community involvement for neighborhood improvement and development. Having lived in New York and Buenos Aires, she is a lover of cities and currently lives in Quito, Ecuador. She loves bicycles, fresh juice, and the Andean topography punctuated by volcanoes that characterize Quito’s landscape.

Tags: , , , ,
    • Battery House

      Architecture

      A single family house designed with two areas: a “battery” that contains the main programs…

    • The Big Zip

      Architecture

      A modern cows’ shed designed with spacious areas and a walkway that allows visitors to…

    • House of Grid

      Architecture

      A low-profile, contemporary house designed with a grid-like structure that creates open and private spaces…

    • Apartment with a Library

      Architecture

      The collaborative renovation and transformation project of a Milan apartment with an unconventional layout. Located…

    • The Fyrgani Holiday House

      Architecture

      A charming dry stone house designed with blue elements that reference the color of the…

loader