Three-Story Modern Barn Mixes Old and New in Soglio, Switzerland

Transformation of a Traditional Barn

The renovation of this barn was completed by Soglio-based studio Ruinelli Associati Architetti. The barn style house is located in Soglio, Switzerland. The architects have transformed the unused barn into a three-story modern barn. This old barn home conversion by local architecture firm Ruinelli Associati Architetti takes the peaceful setting by storm, though it isn't immediately visible by the appearance of the exterior. Beyond the four walls, there is so much more to this barn style house than meets the eye. The modern barn is tucked away in a picturesque rural spot in Soglio, Switzerland, an area that is largely covered by farmland and forest. The architects preserved the look of the exterior by repurposing the traditional building materials like the structure's original stone walls and the wood shutters, which are a perfect complement to the natural surroundings. The distinctive style of this three-storey barn style house extends indoors, where the exposed wood beams and the concrete walls lend to a cozy, cave-like atmosphere.

Modern Interior Design

The interior aesthetic of this barn style house takes on a more modern persona, thanks to the open-concept floor plan that, unlike the more traditional designs, offers an easygoing flow that is ideal for exploring, socializing and entertaining. In the center of the living room is an incredible, all-encompassing fireplace that is an instant focal point to help warm up this otherwise cool space. The barn style house has large glazed walls that provide plenty of natural light, which casts lovely vertical patterns on the walls and floors through the slatted window shutters.

Architectural Integration and Aesthetic Harmony

Studio Ruinelli Associati Architetti conducted the redevelopment of this simple barn in Soglio (Switzerland), using a unique modern architectural language with a great result. On the one hand, the barn style house project aimed to integrate the existing structures and building materials of the barn into the surrounding urban area. On the other hand, the facades of the barn style house were preserved to its original stone structure, cut off only by the concrete elements that frame the openings at the ground floor, to help preserve the pure charm of this barn. The barn style house perfectly combines old and new to come up with a barn that fits in naturally with its scenic location and offers a place with both aesthetics. The open living room space is stunning with its log beams making up the ceiling above the modern fireplace, and modern floor and wall finishes. This room is like a piece of art; you can't help but want to spend time here. The kitchen island and the fireplace use similar building materials to make a seamless transition and ground the space. Each room in this modern barn offers something new.

About Ruinelli Architetti

Ruinelli Architetti is an architectural design firm based in Soglio, Bregaglia, an Italian speaking valley located in the Swiss canton of Grisons. Their architectural designs have very deep bonds with this area, where time seems to pass a little more slowly, and traces of the past are still visible and alive.