Facha architekti inserts black timber retreat into Czech barn
The Box in the Barn is a compact contemporary dwelling inserted into an existing agricultural structure in a rural family homestead in Brtev, Lázně Bělohrad, Czech Republic. Designed by Facha architekti as a seasonal retreat, the project replaces an initially considered renovation of the farmstead’s residential wing with a new, independent living unit positioned within the historic barn. The intervention preserves the existing structure and its character while introducing a clearly defined contemporary volume that remains structurally separate from the original building.
The new dwelling takes the form of a simple timber structure wrapped in a black asphalt facade. Its geometry is derived from the proportions of the existing barn, establishing a visual and material contrast between the new insertion and the historic structure. Positioned slightly above the original barn floor, the volume allows the existing surface to continue beneath it, reinforcing the distinction between the two architectural elements. The barn also functions as a climatic buffer, protecting the dwelling from overheating and adverse weather conditions.
A visual axis running through the barn’s open threshing floor toward a garden of old apple trees and the surrounding landscape informs the spatial organization. The orientation is reflected in the position of the large panoramic window and dining table, establishing a direct connection between the interior, the open barn, and the landscape beyond. In front of the dwelling, a concrete surface extends continuously from the courtyard, forming a transitional zone between the exterior, the open barn, and the interior.
all images by Peter Fabo
Material restraint and adaptive reuse define The Box in the Barn
For the interior, the design team at Facha architekti utilizes a restrained material and formal language. Birch plywood forms the primary material palette, complemented by black-dyed MDF used for a built-in volume containing the kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas. Minimal architectural gestures and exposed natural materials define the compact living space while maintaining a clear relationship with the timber structure.
The dwelling is constructed as a lightweight timber frame using KVH beams and a vapor-open assembly. Although designed primarily for seasonal occupation, insulation and underfloor heating allow the unit to be used throughout the year. The surrounding barn provides an additional layer of environmental protection, contributing to the thermal performance of the inserted dwelling.
By adapting an existing agricultural structure rather than constructing a new building, The Box in the Barn approaches sustainability through reuse and minimal intervention. The project establishes a contemporary living environment within the existing rural architecture while maintaining a clear distinction between the historic barn and the new timber volume.
