Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2022
The Farmhouse Residential Architecture
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: BXB Studio Boguslaw Barnas
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 26,182
- Verification code 74E2C89B9F · Verify this award
About The Farmhouse Residential Architecture
The Farmhouse is an example of the transformation of a typical rural homestead into a residential mansion. In the place of five existing farm buildings scheduled for demolition, the project team proposed five contemporary farm buildings. The newly designed forms have a shape, which results from the reference to the existing farm layout, terrain, view axes, functional needs, division into residential zones and location of trees.
Situated within the contemporary discourse surrounding regional architectural identity and material authenticity, this residential ensemble by Boguslaw Barnas demonstrates a thoughtful synthesis of vernacular building typologies with refined contemporary sensibilities, creating what might be understood as an architectural meditation on the relationship between shelter, landscape, and the rhythms of seasonal dwelling. The principal structure, commanding attention through its striking gabled profile and permeable timber screen, evokes the archetypal barn form while transcending mere historicism through the sophisticated deployment of vertical battens that transform the facade into a luminous lantern when illuminated from within. This interplay between solid and void, between enclosure and transparency, suggests the architect's engagement with phenomenological concerns regarding the experience of light, warmth, and protection against the elements. The supporting structures arranged in an informal cluster employ complementary material strategies, including what appears to be traditional shingle cladding, establishing a dialogue between building traditions across generations while maintaining material coherence through the consistent celebration of natural wood. The chromatic drama captured in this twilight view reveals the architecture's capacity to transform with changing light conditions, the warm golden interior radiance achieving maximum poetic resonance against the encompassing blue of the winter evening. Technical accomplishment manifests in the precise detailing of the timber screen system, the careful proportioning of the gabled volumes, and the sensitive siting that allows the buildings to emerge from rather than impose upon their pastoral setting. The festive lights suspended within the main pavilion introduce a note of celebration and domestic ritual, suggesting the architecture as a stage for the ceremonies of daily life. One might consider how this ensemble addresses fundamental human needs for both prospect and refuge, offering panoramic engagement with the surrounding landscape while providing clearly delineated zones of warmth and shelter against the winter cold.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- BXB Studio design buildings that are modern and draw on tradition. The Farmhouse is a perfect example of it, as it is a transformation of a typical rural homestead into a modern residential manor. In the place of five existing farm buildings due for demolition, was proposed five contemporary Farmhouses. The newly designed forms have a unique shape which results from the reference to the existing farm layout, terrain, view axes, functional needs, division into residential zones and the location of trees.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Each barn has been finished with an individually designed module of the elevation board panel, refering to the character of the demolished outbuildings.
The Farmhouse project was created simultaneously on a piece of paper, with a computer model and a physical model that evolved in BXB Studio model shop. This allowed for the full use of perception and creation of space. It provided a useful tool for architects and engineers in the subsequent stages of technical design development. - Tags
- The Polish Farmhouse, Farmhouse, Polish Architecture, architecture, wooden architecture, Residential Architecture
- Production Technology
- Large glazing allows the uncompromising wooden structure of the building to be seen from the outside and at the same time it brings the natural light into the garage.
The three central barns are compact single storey buildings with slate-covered roofs. The contemporary ornamentation of the entrance area, which has been situated in this place, corresponds to the historical ornaments of the entrance area in The Old House. - Design Challenge
- While designing the individual cubatures, BXB Studio were led by the harmonious approach to nature, the play of light and shadow, the landform, the existing greenery and infrastructure. The large glazed surfaces were hidden in the eaves, dense greenery or situated on the north side of the building. It will protect the house against the excessive sunlight during the summer months. Following the principle of sustainable development, designers have made the effort to maintain the valuable tree stand.
- Project Duration
- Design preparation works lasted from 2017 to 2019. Construction works started already in 2019 and were finished in 2020. The house was erected in polish village Bulowice.
- Operation Flow
- Barn 1 is a garage with a gym above.
Barn 2 is the entrance, which opens up with a glass facade.
Barn 3 is the children’s zone and the centrally located main hall.
Barn 4 has a kitchen and two study rooms.
Barn 5 is a two level living space which opens up to the courtyard and the terrace with sliding external wall panels. It is an intentional replication of the original dismantled wooden barn which was originally located in this position. On the first floor there is a private bedroom. - Research
- The design philosophy with regards to The Polish Farmhouse project places great emphasis on the relationship between man and nature with reference to place, history and tradition. This relationship stems from exploring the cultural context, and as well involving contemporary structure and design.
- Inspiration
- While designing The Farmhouse BXB Studio kept the place and the time context in mind. Creation of the inner courtyard and the spaces integrated with the surrounding landscape are the signature features of the redesigned farmstead buildings. The main solid of the house - The Fifth Barn refers to the torn down, evidently dominant rural barn. The drive area - The First Barn - is the next dominant solid. From the side of the road it is expected to resemble a rural wooden farmstead buildings.
- Image Credits
- Optional Image #1 : Photographer Rafal Barnas, The Polish Farmhouse, 2020
Optional Image #2 : Photographer Rafal Barnas, , The Polish Farmhouse, 2020
Optional Image #3 : Photographer Rafal Barnas, , The Polish Farmhouse, 2020
Optional Image #4 : Photographer Rafal Barnas, , The Polish Farmhouse, 2021