#thebarnTAS: Barn Conversion in Hobart by Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen.

Designed by Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen, the concept for #thebarnTAS in Hobart was quite simple: retain as much of the existing building fabric as possible. Working within the original envelope of the barn, the architects created two distinctive spaces: a long, low one for dining, and a tall, smaller space that showcases the original full height of the building. The taller space also reveals the underside of the original roof shingles that have been painstakingly cleaned by the architects.

All new work reads differently from the existing fabric – this way the important qualities of the building’s past have been retained. The Burra Charter mantra of “do as much as necessary, as little as possible” has led to the retention of much of the rich textures of the stonework, timberwork and plasterwork. As a result, the ingenuity of the new insertions is emphasised.

Every opportunity to maximise spatial usefulness has been exploited. For example, the new glazing finishes flush with the exterior sandstone, heightening the awareness of the “new,” while internally these inserted window boxes provide much needed ancillary storage space. Inside, the architects have succeeded in preserving the sense of the barn’s original height by making the adjacent spaces lower as well as dividing space according to the structure and spacing of the original horse stalls.

Working within the original envelope, the architects have used volume, outlook and a clear material strategy to define spaces and encourage variety and play. The project ultimately demonstrates that less can be much more.

p.s. If you’re so inclined, you can book this multi award winning barn for your next escape to Hobart.

Related Post: Living Large in Small Spaces.

[Images courtesy of workbylizandalex. Photography by Sean Fennessy.]