OFIS remodels alpine barn apartment into contemporary loft space

OFIS remodels alpine barn apartment into contemporary loft space
photography by tomaz gregoric

exploring architectural intervention, slovenian firm OFIS architects has recently completed a conversion where a traditional barn has been turned into a spacious and light-filled loft residence. situated in the slovenian countryside in bohinjska bistrica, the approach deals with using the existing exterior as a shell and re-establishing the interior spaces composed mostly of timber. keeping to the original floor plan of the old barn, the layout consists of two levels where previously, the ground floor was  used as a stable meanwhile, the upper level for drying and, storage of farming equipment and hay.

the alps can be viewed from the house

while maintaining the barn’s structural fabric, the internal spaces have been wrapped in a deep-brushed local spruce. contrasting against the aged and dark exterior, the home is accessed up a ramp, leading to the internal core with high ceilings, light wood and contemporary finishes. inside, the open-plan arrangement consists of the living room, dining area and main bedroom. meanwhile, the kitchen, a sauna and storage units have been subtly integrated into the vertical planked wall running down the side of the space. the only modification of the façade is the addition of circular perforations behind the internal windows and the opening of the front porch.

the original porch and ramp has been kept

the interior uses local spruce timber

a staircase leads up to the upper guest room

the vertical planked wall separates the living spaces with the auxiliary spaces

the living room space

originally, the ground floor served as stable for stock and upper level for drying and storing hay and farm equipment

the alpine barn conversion situated in the slovenian countryside

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