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KOKOŘÍN barn

The reconstruction of this barn was guided from the very beginning by one clear intention: not to lose what made the building valuable in the first place. We transformed a small agricultural structure into an open space for gathering, relaxing, and occasional overnight stays – without rewriting its original essence. We didn’t want to create a new backdrop. We wanted the old barn to remain a barn – just adapted to a new way of living.

The result is an interior where the original structure, material honesty, and the atmosphere of the place are still very much present. In projects like this, it’s important to us that the new layer doesn’t overpower the existing one, but instead builds on it.

Next to the cottage, not in it’s shadow

This barn conversion wasn’t designed as a fully independent house, but rather as an extension of the existing cottage. That, in fact, became its advantage. The building could function more freely, with a stronger focus on shared space, atmosphere, and seasonal use.

For clients considering the renovation of an old barn, this is often one of the key questions. Not every barn needs to be a full-fledged house. Sometimes it makes more sense to create an open living space for the family, guests, and weekend use that expands the possibilities of the main house.

Opening up to the outdoors

A key part of the design was the connection between interior and exterior. During the summer months, large sliding doors can be tucked behind wooden cladding, allowing the barn to fully open up to the outside.

At that point, the interior no longer feels like a closed structure, but rather an extension of the garden and the surrounding landscape. This ability to transform was essential to the concept. We didn’t want to create just a visually appealing interior, but a space that truly comes alive as a social hub between the house, the garden, and nature.

Under the roof, without excess

The ground floor is formed by a large open living space with a kitchen and a bathroom. We originally considered adding a dining area, but since the barn is connected to the cottage via a covered passage, the dining table was placed there instead. This allowed the interior to remain more open and generous.

A light steel staircase leads from the living area to a narrow gallery cutting through the barn’s roof structure, ending in a small bedroom on the northern side. It comfortably accommodates up to four people. The layout is based on a simple principle: maximum openness downstairs, more intimate sleeping space above.

The best was already there

One of the main goals was to preserve the stone walls and the original timber structure. The stone surfaces required careful repair and stabilization, but their rawness and imperfections give the interior its strongest character.

In this particular project, sandstone walls play a crucial role. They became a natural part of the interior and give the space a unique identity.

The remaining part of the barn was originally timber. The relatively delicate beams were complemented with new elements designed to match their aged appearance, and everything was unified in a consistent wood tone. At the client’s request, the structure was emphasized even more, making wood and stone the defining elements of the space.

Materials without make-up

For the flooring, we initially considered a new epoxy finish, but ultimately chose simple concrete throughout the space. It feels far more natural in the context of an old barn. Even the cracks that appeared over time are seen as part of the result. They don’t read as flaws, but as reminders of the building’s age and its natural evolution.

In projects like this, it’s always about finding the right balance - what should be new, what should remain raw, and where too much stylization would do more harm than good. You can find more about how to renovate a barn and how we approach these projects in general in our dedicated article on barn renovations.

A kitchen extended into space

The kitchen layout was relatively compact, and it quickly became clear that it wouldn’t accommodate all of the client’s needs. The solution was to extend the kitchen island towards the large window. This move connected the kitchen more closely with the living area while also providing a more generous work surface.

All furniture was custom-designed to maximize storage. The countertop and the cantilevered island are made of cast concrete, while the rest of the kitchen uses natural oak veneer. Together, they create a combination that feels calm, natural, and durable enough for weekend use.

Old things, new serenity

The owner wanted pieces of furniture from the original cottage to be incorporated into the living space. As a result, the interior was not designed as a perfectly unified composition, but as a natural blend of old and new. Various sofas and armchairs are complemented by a colorful Persian rug, which adds coziness to the space and softens its more raw foundation.

A bathroom that stands out without disrupting

The bathroom is the most expressive part of the interior in terms of color. The floor features a black-and-white pattern, while the walls are finished with vertically laid tiles in a deep bottle-green shade. It’s a space that embraces color, yet remains cohesive thanks to black industrial fixtures and a straightforward design approach.

A notable detail is the Bucket sink by Alape, which combines a traditional shape with a contemporary expression. Above it hangs a backlit mirror. Here too, the goal was to find a balance between the rawness of the original structure and modern detailing.

Meaningful renovation.

This barn conversion in Kokořín shows that even a small agricultural building can offer a strong atmosphere and high-quality living space. Not through dramatic gestures, but through respect for the original structure, smart spatial decisions, and a sensitive approach to materials that were already there.

Interested in how we approach similar interior projects? Read more in our RENOVATIONS section—it’s our favorite discipline.