Houzz Tour: Bold, Modern Farmhouse in New Jersey
A former dark, weathered barn with not even a bathroom is redesigned as a light-filled, guest-ready modern home
A look inside this semirural home evokes the sense of being more in a spacious urban loft than in a farmhouse in New Jersey. "We wanted a finished house that had an authentic feel, not "designed" to any one style but having bold and comfortable spaces that met the needs of our clients," says principal architect Andy Blanda.
But one of the most interesting aspects of the farmhouse is how the exterior design feels connected to the landscape through a villagelike arrangement of structures. "Seen from afar, the structure could shelter tractors and cows — not a modern family," he says. "Our use of red metal siding and black asphalt roofing found on other local agricultural buildings ties the home to its place in the farmland."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Two doctors and their teenage daughter
Location: Moorestown, New Jersey
Size: 4,500 square feet
That's interesting: All the original barn wood removed for new window openings was salvaged to construct the new stairs and interior doors.
But one of the most interesting aspects of the farmhouse is how the exterior design feels connected to the landscape through a villagelike arrangement of structures. "Seen from afar, the structure could shelter tractors and cows — not a modern family," he says. "Our use of red metal siding and black asphalt roofing found on other local agricultural buildings ties the home to its place in the farmland."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Two doctors and their teenage daughter
Location: Moorestown, New Jersey
Size: 4,500 square feet
That's interesting: All the original barn wood removed for new window openings was salvaged to construct the new stairs and interior doors.
| The house is situated on an old farm with a pond and is adjacent to a protected property that is planted by a local farmer. The main portion of the house was originally a barn structure from Vermont and was purchased as an unfinished shell. "Our clients wanted to preserve the open structure of the barn space, while adding discrete bedrooms for them, their daughter and their frequent guests. We needed to create a large outdoor space to connect the barn interior to the landscape, as well as to a new garage and an entertainment area separate from the house for music and parties," says Blanda. |
| Blanda took the open, undefined interior and highlighted the structure by adding spacial interventions, which "created interesting layers of space," he says. By placing the new structure adjacent to the existing barn and connecting the structures with the open porch, Blanda created a sequence of outdoor rooms that lead into the home and give a sense of a protected place within a landscape. |
| Blanda and his clients refer to this room as "the party room," which is a space that's divided into a dining area and media room with a music loft that has a view across the farm fields. Light: Random by Moooi, Lumens |
| The lower-level music and media room meets the needs of the husband and daughter, who are both musicians. Couch: Togo, Ligne Roset; chair: Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair, Hive Modern |
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The Bulthaup kitchen system is located adjacent to the front door with views to the entry court. The open floor plan of the home, whitewashed surfaces, sleek kitchen appliances and quirky, modern decor speak volumes about the family who inhabits the space — although they're a little bit farmhouse country, they're not afraid of playful and colorful additions.
Saarinen oval dining table (previous picture) and Jamaica bar stool: Knoll; Kartell Upper Step Ladder in Canary Yellow: All Modern
Saarinen oval dining table (previous picture) and Jamaica bar stool: Knoll; Kartell Upper Step Ladder in Canary Yellow: All Modern
| The structure of the preexisting barn interior was one large, dark and weathered space that was left exposed to the elements for many years. There were no baths or enclosed rooms, and there was no kitchen — just a freestanding fireplace. Today, the fireplace defines the living and dining areas. Blanda and his team whitewashed the surfaces and cut new openings into the exterior walls to allow views of the landscape and to bring light into unexpected areas. |
| The master suite is located off the dining room and faces a walled garden. This space is well aware of its farmhouse roots: Mahogany bedposts mimic the curves of animal horns, and the iconic LC4 chaise lounge and throw pillows are clad in cowhide. Modern Icons: The LC4 Chaise Longue |
| This photo and previous: "We connected the upper floor daughter's and guest bedroom and baths with a steel and wood stair and bridge, and created a private, music-listening loft reached by a ship's stair above the bedrooms," says Blanda. The ship's stair can be seen in the far background of this photo. Equine art is displayed throughout the house, a homage to the mother's and daughter's love of horseback riding. Red chair in previous picture: Knoll Bertoia Bird Lounge Chair |
| Work on the house was completed on a tight budget, which was a challenge for Blanda and his team. He says, "We found that by using stock materials and products such as simple black Vermont slate and industrial fixtures wherever possible, we could achieve the budget goals and create unexpected visual interest. The finished house has comfortable spaces that flow into each other and respond to the needs of our clients." Although Blanda worked with the family in picking their furnishings, he knows that their taste and selections will change over time. However, he is confident that the strength of the architecture is timeless and will "connect and frame the protected surrounding landscape" for many years to come. |
Comments
Adi Tatarko Beautiful!
15 months ago · Like
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Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. It's the perfect color red and I like the wood on the ceilings inside that keeps a connection to the barn aesthetic outside.
15 months ago · Like
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Holly Marder What a fun but streamlined space! I love the red dining chairs, and the staircase is quite something. Thanks for sharing, Holly
15 months ago · Like
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Joni Koenig Interiors Wow,I want to move in! What a fantastic home; i wouldnt change a thing. I will be following Andy Blanda!
15 months ago · Like
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Becky Harris So stunning, especially shot in the snow with that blue sky!
15 months ago · Like
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landscapedesigner A perfect compliment to the surounding propery. Beatiful interiors!..
15 months ago · Like
mcgowanjc This home is beautiful! However, from looking at the cost of the furnishings, etc., I would love to have this 'tight budget'.
14 months ago · Like
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mfinan2012 Love the design but not the decor
14 months ago · Like
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Brenda Bloods wow I never would have guessed the inside lookes like it does based on the farmhouse appearance! fun :)
14 months ago · Like
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tompaul sweet....just wondering how the bookcase stairway got past the building inspector.....if it is a staircase.
14 months ago · Like
lalenadp A dream home for this equestrian!
14 months ago · Like
zupame Lovely, I love it.
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on April 8, 2012.
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