Barnhouse Werkhoven

A contemporary take on barn houses.

When designing rustic-style houses, architecture firms often lean towards a more traditional design. Think wooden beams and natural stone walls. For Barnhouse Werkhoven, the RV Architecture studio took a different approach. Distinctly contemporary, this house maintains a barn-like character but complements it with creative, bold touches. Located on the edge of the Dutch village Werkhoven, the building occupies an angled plot of land with a triangular shape. The architects made the most of the area’s challenging form, placing Barnhouse Werkhoven not at the front, but in the middle of the plot, farther away from the street.

The house features a traditional gable roof. Its ridge marks the separation between the private, closed-off areas and the more open living spaces. The former houses the bedrooms and bathroom, while the glazed volume contains the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Outside, a curved element provides a sheltered area while dividing the terrace from the entrance and parking space.

Stepping inside, guests find a stunning open-plan area with extra-high ceilings and minimal supports. The studio optimized the placement of supporting columns to create uninterrupted views and to also give the interior an airy feel. Even the staircase becomes a supporting element, freeing up the space. Likewise, the windows and glazed elements boast no fascias or other detailing for a clean look. Apart from three sliding windows, the glass becomes a part of the construction. Flooded with natural light, the ground floor area offers gorgeous views of the sun-bathed garden and terrace. Photographs© René de Wit.