Summer Barn House Inspiration

I've talked before about my dream of building a big, barn-like summerhouse near the beach. Scandinavian in style with the central focus being a big, open plan living area that opens to the outdoors, it would have wings off each end with ample bedroom space for friends and family to stay. Ideally there would be a high pitched roof along with large windows and doors, and be made from simple materials of wood, steel and concrete. The interior would have that Kiwi bach-feel and relaxed summer vibe. I get lost in the dream more often at this time of year, and love stumbling across homes that further inspire the ideas floating around in my head. 

Förstberg Arkitektur och Formgivning (FAF) is a small architecture studio based in Malmö, Sweden, whose projects do just that. Their latest, House with a saw-tooth roof was created for a young family, designed to expand to suit their changing needs. The framework allows for extra rooms to be added, such as an extra bedroom when the children get older, a study if they need to work from home or a spacious bathroom when they can afford it. While this home is actually on two levels, the expansion concept would work perfectly for my summer barn house!

This next project by FAF, House for Mother, is a favourite. I featured the dining room on the blog last year, as part of an interior styling post on white + wood, and always wanted to show you more. 

Images via Förstberg Arkitektur och Formgivning

An incredibly light and airy space, this home also features a fabulous built in bookshelf.  

Closer to home, this modern Black Barn by Waikato designer Tane Cox of Red Architecture has recently been added to my summer house inspo folder. Ever since receiving the media release last year - it won the 2014 SUPREME National ADNZ | Resene Architectural Design Award - it's also been on my blog must-share list. The clever and economical design consists of two black barn like structures made from simple materials that create a warm, functional, industrial style home. Tane's design ethos is centred around simple designs that fit with their environment. He says his approach to the design is an important aspect that anyone can take on board regardless of whether they want to spend a little or a lot.

Photography by Larnie Nicolson, courtesy of ADNZ