The Forgotten Barn is hidden behind a row of townhouses, located in a quiet courtyard in Dobříš, Czech Republic. This unique project exemplifies how architecture can intertwine heritage and modernity. Originally a weathered stone barn dating back to 1912, the structure was transformed into a stunning family home by Karnet Architekti.
The Forgotten Barn Technical Information
- Architects1-5: Karnet Architekti
- Location: Dobříš, Czech Republic
- Area: 240 m2 | 2,580 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2020 – 2022
- Photographs: © Petr Polák
The new has woven itself through history, and today it’s difficult to determine where the inside begins and the outside ends.
– Karnet Architekti
The Forgotten Barn Photographs
Architectural Strategy: Bridging Past and Present
The Forgotten Barn tells a compelling story of adaptive reuse. Rather than demolishing the old barn, Karnet Architekti preserved its original stone shell, weaving a prefabricated timber structure into its fabric. This deliberate approach ensures that the spirit of the historic building endures, creating a seamless dialogue between the past and the present.
The barn’s original features, such as its arched stone passages and ventilation openings, were retained and celebrated. By blending these elements with modern design, the architects dissolved the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, allowing history to inform every corner of the home.
Preserving the structural integrity of the barn’s aged stone walls posed significant challenges. The design team stabilized the walls with concrete overlays and cladding, safeguarding them against further deterioration. A steel bracing structure replaced an internal vertical wall, ensuring durability without altering the barn’s aesthetic.
The prefabricated timber frame, chosen for its lightweight and adaptability, was inserted without compromising the foundation. The innovative roof design—featuring generous overhangs and slender rafters—protected the walls while maintaining a cohesive look
Functional Layout and Material Palette
The barn’s layout splits the plot into two gardens with distinct uses. One side offers privacy and relaxation, while the other serves practical purposes. These outdoor spaces are directly tied to the timber structure’s internal arrangement, ensuring harmony between the building and its surroundings.
The house’s main living area occupies the southern portion, framed by vaulted passages and flanked by two terraces. These terraces provide versatile spaces for enjoying morning or afternoon sunlight, eliminating the need for additional structures like pergolas. Upstairs, the bedrooms, study, and gym are bathed in natural light, thanks to strategically placed east-facing windows and glazed roof sections.
Every material was chosen to enhance the relationship between the old and the new. Silicate plaster, larch wood, and oak flooring blend rustic and modern textures, while pine veneer furniture adds warmth. Biophilic elements, like natural ventilation and slender wall assemblies, ensure the home breathes naturally and efficiently.
Lessons in Adaptive Reuse
The Forgotten Barn demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve a sense of place and memory. By stabilizing the barn’s historic shell and inserting a modern timber structure, the architects honored the building’s past while creating a functional, contemporary home. The result is a living space that fosters connections—between family members and between generations.
This project highlights the importance of thoughtful design in adaptive reuse. Preserving the barn’s character required innovative solutions, from prefabrication to the delicate stabilization of historic masonry. Architects can draw inspiration from The Forgotten Barn’s success in balancing heritage conservation with modern functionality.
The project also underscores the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse by using sustainable materials and preserving the barn’s embodied energy. For architects, this is a reminder that sustainability often begins with preserving what already exists.
The Forgotten Barn Plans
The Forgotten Barn Image Gallery
About Michael Karnet
Michael Karnet, the visionary architect behind The Forgotten Barn, founded Karnet Architekti, a Czech-based architecture studio known for its innovative approach to adaptive reuse and sustainable design. With a strong focus on preserving cultural heritage, Michael seamlessly integrates historical elements into contemporary projects. His work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Michael Karnet (Lead Architect), Vojtěch Kramář, Filip Rajman (Interiors), Jiří Lukáš (Concept Design & Visualizations)
- Engineering: Martinice Group
- Client: Václav and Marie
- Usable Floor Area: 287 m²
- Plot Size: 1001 m²
