Crafting conntections
Description
Barns have been an iconic feature of Norway’s cultural landscape for centuries. Among these, the red enhetslåve (standard barn) stands out as a symbol of Norway’s agricultural revolution around the 1900s. These multifunctional buildings, developed with input from engineers and architects, were integral to small farms, housing livestock, storing tools, and efficiently managing resources like hay and manure. However, with agricultural modernization and farm consolidation, many barns now face abandonment and decay, threatening a significant element of rural heritage and identity.
This thesis investigates the adaptive reuse of a standard barn on Nedre Diserud farm in Nord-Aurdal, exploring how its original structure and character can inspire new functions. Located on a picturesque southwest-facing slope with expansive views over Aurdal, the barn retains many defining features, including a manure cellar with stone and concrete walls, a soaring timber-framed structure, and a distinctive låvebru (barn bridge). The interiors reveal an intricate rhythm of timber beams, lofty ceiling heights, and an old log-built cowshed encapsulated within the barn. Despite its robust design, the barn faces the risk of deterioration, as the current owners are uncertain how it fits into their future plans.
The project proposes transforming the barn into a public cultural workshop and artist residency, preserving its historical and architectural qualities while creating a vibrant space for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. A key design challenge is converting the large, uninsulated volume into usable spaces with distinct climate zones. This is addressed by introducing new log-built structures for insulated areas, allowing the barn’s original structure and rhythm to guide the placement of new interventions. Daylight is introduced through carefully placed glass tiles, replacing portions of the traditional slate roof, and ventilation openings are converted into windows to provide light and views.
The program for the revitalized barn embraces its legacy as a site of productivity while reimagining it as a hub for cultural activity. Facilities include woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, and communal spaces for cooking and social interaction. The barn will also host artist residency studios, and exhibition spaces, fostering exchanges between locals and visiting artists.
This thesis demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. By retaining the barn’s distinctive atmosphere, from the interplay of light through timber paneling to the preservation of historical features like the cowshed and pigsty, the design ensures that the barn remains a living part of the cultural and social fabric of the community. It reflects the potential of these iconic buildings to serve as creative spaces that honor their past while shaping their future.