Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home

Some people see an old structure in the countryside ready for demolition – others see an opportunity to preserve history and reuse the solid materials in a new context. Renovating a century-old barn into a modern home may not sound appealing to you, but seeing the amazing result created by MW Works Architects might just change your mind!

sharply pitched roof and glazed windows
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

The Canyon Barn

For the project known as “Canyon Barn”, Seattle-based architects MW Works used salvaged materials from the original structure. Their main goal was to preserve as much original form, character and history as possible to get an interesting combination with the new well-insulated walls, sharply pitched roof and glazed windows. The result with modern comfort and great visual style earned MW Works the Merit Award in the AIA Honor Awards for Washington.

Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

Barn renovation with salvaged materials

Located in the East Cascades, Washington, the 3,875-square-foot family home offers a warm-toned interior with original details. A timber and metal staircase combine the double-height living area with the second floor which gives sufficient storage space as well as utilities area, two small bedrooms, two living rooms, dining room and kitchen.

Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

“New interventions were carefully considered to have a modern aesthetic while at the same time working within this raw palette,”

Architects from MW Works.

Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home
Image courtesy: MW Works
Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

In the tastefully decorated house you’ll find vintage furniture and design items that have been carefully selected to highlight its features. There are custom light fixtures hanging from the exposed trusses and panel walls built from old apple crates.

Vintage furniture and design
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

Testament to true craftsmanship

The entire project of renovating the original barn and preserving a small part of the local history is a testament to true craftsmanship. Reusing materials is – in addition to being environmentally friendly – a great way to incorporate history and add details from old materials. Natural elements with patina look great in combination with brand new materials as it gives a home an authentic feeling and creates an interesting space.

Canyon Barn: Renovating a barn into a modern home
Image courtesy: Tim Bies

Learn more

Another barn-project: Rebuilding a barn to modern home

SourceMW Works

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Steen Hansen
Steen Hansenhttps://oldnewsclub.com
Steen Hansen has always been into vintage, retro, architecture, gadgets and especially everything with an engine! With more than 11 years as Art Director on danish car magazines, test driver and continuously been pushing boundaries on the race track himself.

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