1. ArchDaily
  2. Farmhouse

Farmhouse: The Latest Architecture and News

The Beachside House: A Case Study of Vernacular-Inspired Architecture Using Modern Materials

 | Sponsored Content

Each architectural style intrinsically relates to a specific context, period, or place. An illustrative example is the region of the United States, which was strongly influenced by the period of British colonization in the Americas (17th-18th centuries). In this context, dwellings emerged that adopted a distinctive architectural language. Moreover, the large distances between major cities in many areas of the country had a significant impact on the configuration of domestic architecture, resulting in the inclusion of barns and other structures that served various functions in addition to housing. This architectural style is characterized by its rectangular floor plan, two-story structures, gable roofs, and wooden cladding on the facade. These elements constitute an integral part of the vernacular expression of the houses from that time.

Speaking specifically of gable roofs, they are the feature most associated with the traditional aesthetic of dwellings developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as later ones. One example is the Beachside House, which is a contemporary project documented in Swisspearl Architecture Magazine. This settlement is located on the shore of Long Island Sound, which divides Connecticut from Long Island, New York. With its four gable-roofed structures, covered with light-toned fiber cement panels, it seeks to be an abstraction of New England vernacular architecture.

How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style?

Some would say it's the fresh air, peace and quiet, and some the constant closeness to nature; nonetheless, we all agree there’s something unique about the countryside. As you step inside a farmhouse, all of these qualities can be reflected through the lense of contemporary interior design, creating a welcoming, light and calm ambiance. Known for their place in rural or agricultural settings and designed for farm living, traditional 1700’s farm houses –also known as “folk” houses– were initially influenced by their geographical conditions, enhancing the relationship with the environment. While conserving traditional approaches such as simple floor-plans, gabled roofs and large porches, farmhouse aesthetics have gone through transformations to adapt to contemporary ways of living. By reusing and using traditional rural architecture as a direct reference, we analyze how current projects follow its singular design strategies: noble materials, spaces connected to the environment, and simple and functional spaces with unique details.

How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style? - Image 1 of 4How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style? - Image 2 of 4How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style? - Image 3 of 4How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style? - Image 4 of 4How Has Modern Architecture Transformed the Farmhouse Style? - More Images+ 24

Nirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates

Nirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates - Exterior Photography, Houses, Garden, Door, FacadeNirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates - Interior Photography, Houses, Facade, BeamNirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates - Interior Photography, Houses, Bedroom, Facade, Beam, Lighting, TableNirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates - Interior Photography, Houses, Door, Beam, ChairNirmal Farm / Dipen Gada and Associates - More Images+ 21

Bharuch, India

Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse

Carlo Ratti Associati has unveiled the "Greenary," a renovated farmhouse designed around a 10-meter-high tree in the countryside near Parma, Northern Italy. The scheme marks the first step of CRA’s winning 2017 masterplan for the Mutti tomato company, driven by a closer integration between nature and the built environment.

The 50-year-old Ficus tree, situated within the main living area, is encircled by stepped areas rising to the treetop, creating six domestic spaces. The house will be coupled with a factory developed in close architectural continuity, due to their physical proximity.

Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse - Image 1 of 4Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse - Image 2 of 4Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse - Image 3 of 4Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse - Image 4 of 4Carlo Ratti Associati Places 30-Foot-High Tree Inside Renovated Italian Farmhouse - More Images