Black Barn-Inspired Minimalist House In The Netherlands

This black barn like minimalist home makes a statement in the farmland region of Netherlands

This black barn-like minimalist home makes a statement in the farmland region of Netherlands

On the outskirts of a Dutch village, studio AAAN’s House Zevenhuizen is designed as a modern home that fits into a rural environment. The sculptural black form of the recent intervention makes a strong visual impact on the patchwork landscape of greenhouses, farmlands and traditional dwellings.

The simple form of the house makes it seem like a classical barn from afar, a shape which is emphasized by the minimal detailing. Within this sold black sculpture, the architects have inserted a large glazed element, which effectively breaks up the monolithic appearance of the building while also serving to bring swathes of natural light into a double height dining space.

The living areas of the house are positioned on the east and south sides. Large openings have been made in the volume to create a strong visual connection with the surrounding garden. A spacious loft connects the living room with the landing on the bedroom floor. The entrance and service areas are positioned on the west and north sides of the house. Openings have been minimized at this size, so that the sober black shape remains strongly visible from the street elevation.

In the heart of the house, stairs, wardrobe, a toilet and fireplace are combined in a central ‘piece of furniture’. This piece of furniture is made of oak wood forming a striking warm contrast with the dark black cladding outside. Fiber cement slates were chosen for the materialization of the exterior. By applying these slates, a sharp detailing can be applied in which the transition from façade to roof can be realized almost seamlessly.

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The traditional barn shape of the house is complemented with lots of glazing and bold black exterior

The traditional barn shape of the house is complemented with lots of glazing and bold black exterior

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The kitchen and dining spaces are united into one featuring a double height ceiling with a glazed wall and minimal furniture

The kitchen and dining spaces are united into one featuring a double height ceiling with a glazed wall and minimal furniture

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Glazings connect indoors to outdoors, there's a sleek black wooden kitchen island

Glazings connect indoors to outdoors, there's a sleek black wooden kitchen island

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The entryway is minimal, there's a large sleek storage unit and a statement plant in a pot

The entryway is minimal, there's a large sleek storage unit and a statement plant in a pot

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The living room is minimal and neutral but spiced up with a muted green sofa and some black touches

The living room is minimal and neutral but spiced up with a muted green sofa and some black touches

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The staircase is a cool pantry and open storage unit, it's very functional, which is a great solution to steal

The staircase is a cool pantry and open storage unit, it's very functional, which is a great solution to steal

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Much wood and plywood is used inside to make the minimalist spaces more welcoming and cozy

Much wood and plywood is used inside to make the minimalist spaces more welcoming and cozy

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The large glazings are a source of natural light inside and they connect to outdoors

The large glazings are a source of natural light inside and they connect to outdoors

Source: designboom