Timber, thatch, and precision: Crafting a modern farmstead

By The Construction Specifier
The renovation was carried out using traditional materials such as timber, lime, and flax. Images courtesy ©EeStairs-Alex Baxter

The former Ahof farmstead in the Netherlands brings together several typical 19th-century Dutch buildings, including an 1885 barn.

The renovation was carried out using traditional materials such as timber, lime, and flax, drastically reducing the project’s environmental impact.

The plywood staircase resembles an ethos of purity and restraint.

Upon entering, the first impression is defined by a spiral staircase in pine plywood, which evokes an industrial feel to the barn.

The plywood staircase resembles an ethos of purity and restraint, with its self-supporting helical appearance. The staircase also has remarkable precision in the balustrade and the underside of the treads.

The architects succeeded in transforming the historic building’s original spirit into a distinctive contemporary residence.

Through the use of highly energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, the amount of energy produced on-site now matches the building’s consumption.

Large arched glazed doors fitted with traditional shutters define both ends of the building, while handcrafted thatch, the steep gabled roof, and exposed structural beams preserve the building’s character.

The pine used for the staircase, balustrade, and first-floor partitions brings brightness to the interior, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.