Turns stone barn into minimal hideaway with stealth furniture-rooms

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  • Опубліковано 11 тра 2024
  • Africa Lao had spent her career designing homes from an office in Barcelona, so when she moved to the country to get closer to nature, she was inspired to transform a crumbling 18th century stone hayloft into a small, minimal dream home. Located in the middle of protected forest, the location was an urban refugee's dream, and she was unperturbed by the requirement to only restore what already existed here, which meant remaining within the original 602 (645 sq. Ft.) footprint.
    The original barn had two rooms of 30 square meters each so, leaving this unchanged, she dedicated one room for daytime and the other for nighttime. To create a bathroom and closet without affecting the original layout Africa added a simple half wall of oak wood that houses both a bathroom and walk-in closet, and also serves as a headboard for the bed. Since this intervention was on the coldest (north) wall it also helps to insulate the home.
    Far from any electric grid, the home relies solely on solar panels, a pellet stove to run a radiant floor heating system and a small wood-burning stove. Water comes from a well so the home is completely independent.
    While the 18th century stone walls were still intact, the roof had collapsed so Africa restored it to its original state with terra-cotta tiles and chestnut beams crafted from debarked tree trunks. To restore missing stones from the home's walls, Africa used rock from local rivers as they would have done 400 years ago. The few new elements in the home - the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom wall and floors- were crafted from the same aged oak wood boards. The shower walls and floor are natural limestone and the sink is stone.
    The original arch on the building's south side was left intact for a window-door that now provides the majority of the home's daylight. The north side of the home has only two tiny windows perforating the nearly one-meter stone walls so despite below freezing temperatures in the winter, the home stays warm with just heat from the pellet stove.
    Africa Lao: / africalao_interiordesi...
    On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/turn...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 143

  • @v19174
    @v19174 21 день тому +30

    ... !! lost in the middle of nature, living inside these beautiful walls - the warm light, natural colors, no noise, fresh air ❤️

  • @kelleyhawk6595
    @kelleyhawk6595 21 день тому +19

    My husband & I spent some time in Barcelona, it’s so beautiful! The temps r mild & the people were so warm & welcoming!!! The food is so fresh & delicious, without any preservatives!! The Christmas markets were such a lovely change from our commercial American Christmas!!! We’re now considering retiring there! Ty for sharing this beauty and keeping its history! ❤

  • @MrPhotodoc
    @MrPhotodoc 20 днів тому +9

    Every episode is like being transported to another dimension to escape the abnormal hectic world. Thank you!

  • @Mikey_Films
    @Mikey_Films 21 день тому +47

    I've always loved stone homes, such a beautiful place. Well done

    • @thelifeofeli1
      @thelifeofeli1 21 день тому +1

      These notices of good behavior are insulting. They imply that I've insulted this channel I have always praised these videos.

  • @janlewis567
    @janlewis567 21 день тому +8

    Just LOVE going on your travels with you, you keep coming up with such a wide diversity of interesting homes. Brilliant, thank you ♥

  • @espnmk
    @espnmk 21 день тому +7

    I agree such a beautiful ruin transformed into a amazing living space and to use natural resources such as the aged oak patina finishes and stone basins. Living with less and not being subjected to servitude to one's many belongings just the essentials. Thanks for Sharing

  • @detroitdiscussion9495
    @detroitdiscussion9495 21 день тому +20

    Lovely simplicity. Maybe a skylight

    • @Erika-gm2tf
      @Erika-gm2tf 21 день тому +1

      Yeah. I would have installed some skylights if possible.

  • @blueman5924
    @blueman5924 21 день тому +12

    Beautiful aesthetics. The exposed stonework in Europe has so much character and a sense of history hewn. 👏🍁🤙

    • @gerhard6105
      @gerhard6105 15 днів тому

      My Belgium Ardennes house from 1870 also is made from stones like in the video. They are 20", 50cm thick. It is never warm inside during the summer. Above some windows in the barn, there are still the wooden beams. The upstairs bedroom, 5, doors are the original ones from 1870. From the smallest bedroom I took out the ceiling (small wooden strips with plaster, like they build during those days) because it was hanging. The ceiling beams are not square made beams but just like thick brenches. The hight difference was 12cm, 5". Ofcourse I left the beams and leveled it out to horizontal. I will reuse the nice 5" high plinths. I think that one of my front windowsills is actually an old stone sink, because of the stone work chisel grooves and the shape. I will take out the wooden windowsill soon and see if I am right. When yes, I will reuse it in my kitchen. My roof beams are all original and I have 90 year old slates on it. They are much bigger and thicker then the newer ones. Outside in my front garden I put two old rusty milkbins that I found on the attic and put them on natural stone and I put hay sheafs in them. The Dutch word is almost the same: hooischoof. Double oo sounds like the o as in over or oven. Over and oven are the same words we use in Dutch for the same things. And I found an old broom like a Wich broom and put it outside next to my front door. My front yard table is an old wood chop block with a bigger a bit square about 2" thick natural UN worked stone on it. Costs me nothing. Best regards from the Ardennes

  • @dianeforbes6080
    @dianeforbes6080 21 день тому +22

    Stunning home and presentation! Thank you!

  • @CharityVictoriaJones
    @CharityVictoriaJones 21 день тому +3

    Every part of this is so beautiful! From the seclusion in the forest to the richness of the natural materials and sunlight!

  • @zedudli
    @zedudli 21 день тому +6

    Beautiful home, stunning location

  • @guillermoherlt5141
    @guillermoherlt5141 21 день тому +8

    Baix Emporda is a very good place with lots of beautiful locations

  • @svenswwis436
    @svenswwis436 21 день тому +6

    The window in the Archway looks really nice. As do the logs beams used for the ceiling. The entire place is very impressive. From my view here in California USA.

  • @paranoidhumanoid
    @paranoidhumanoid 21 день тому +3

    It's so simple yet lux and warm in the midst of all the original stone. ❤

  • @1FeistyKitty
    @1FeistyKitty 21 день тому +16

    amazing place --- amazing job presenting -- whoever originally built that were not messing around --- i'm a bit confused ---- do people live in the other buildings ?

    • @perecanyelles6469
      @perecanyelles6469 16 днів тому

      For sure. This is for when you have visitors or you want to go minimal, as if u were poor.

    • @BorisLibeert
      @BorisLibeert 8 днів тому

      I'm also wondering if they live there, or rent it as airbnb?

    • @BorisLibeert
      @BorisLibeert 8 днів тому

      The dressing does seem to be full of clothes.

  • @Kim-lc3fv
    @Kim-lc3fv 20 днів тому +2

    Very impressive, and Kirsten could show off her knowledge of Spanish. 😉👍🇪🇦

  • @roberthayes8246
    @roberthayes8246 21 день тому +6

    Absolutely gorgeous stone building!!!

  • @carolewarner101
    @carolewarner101 19 днів тому

    What a stunning place...

  • @leandragilmour2806
    @leandragilmour2806 13 днів тому

    Absolutely stunning!

  • @ludovic9477
    @ludovic9477 21 день тому +2

    Superbe réhabilitation,
    Sobre, et raffinée à la fois, j'adore 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
    Merci pour le partage 👍🏻

  • @murraywagnon1841
    @murraywagnon1841 21 день тому +1

    Back to one of my favorite places on the planet.

  • @fernandorafael7483
    @fernandorafael7483 21 день тому +2

    Que privilegiada vive en un paraiso

  • @karstenmeinders4844
    @karstenmeinders4844 19 днів тому

    Una casa fantástica ! Fenomenal !

  • @sueg2658
    @sueg2658 21 день тому +2

    Beautiful livable home. Well done.

  • @estebanguerrero682
    @estebanguerrero682 13 днів тому

    I love your videos, is always so eye opening watching and getting to know different build styles and methods to deal with the heat and cold from the elements, integrating natures own features and approaching a more sustainable lifestyle both economically and environmentally.
    I also love people's ingenuity, making use of the materials and techniques already known and even new ones that help us getting a better grasp of the physical properties both of the environment and the building materials.
    It's always a nice surprise to see a new video and even crazier methods that before went so over the top of my head

  • @cliffordchristopher1
    @cliffordchristopher1 12 днів тому

    So wonderful.

  • @StephanieJoRountree
    @StephanieJoRountree 21 день тому +3

    Such a great home!

  • @Roger-vu4by
    @Roger-vu4by 15 днів тому

    Hermoso !….una obra maestra…chapeau

  • @deletezooi6398
    @deletezooi6398 19 днів тому +4

    Very beautiful, but only for the extreem wealthy and influential people to get this done in a nature park, and we haven’t seen the main house yet or the pool and pool house … this is pure wealth, financially and i hope also mentally.

  • @adelheidsnel5171
    @adelheidsnel5171 21 день тому +3

    Absolutely gorgeous ❤

  • @reader649
    @reader649 21 день тому

    I love how the hidden and indirect accent lighting adds so much warmth and brings out the texture of the stone work. I see this type of led(?) lighting more often in your videos and it adds to the beauty of unique interiors.

  • @aaratijoly1067
    @aaratijoly1067 21 день тому +1

    Hermosa renovación 💙 Una casa con alma ... 🤍

  • @flyoverurbangarden4315
    @flyoverurbangarden4315 21 день тому +1

    Excellent video, great drone work.

  • @bernhardsklorz1091
    @bernhardsklorz1091 17 днів тому

    Minimalistisch, puristisch, fantastisch - einfach nur genial

  • @kiukk9288
    @kiukk9288 19 днів тому

    espectacular!

  • @revdupartist9386
    @revdupartist9386 20 днів тому

    HOLY SMOKE that is a gorgeous home!!!!
    I LOVE IT. I would add 1 thing a kitchen island (made of oak) on wheels where I could sit and chop vegetables and drink coffee. 😁

  • @jetsilla
    @jetsilla 20 днів тому

    So very- very cool and the location is to die for.

  • @esku75
    @esku75 15 днів тому

    Maravilloso 😍

  • @bethcollier3789
    @bethcollier3789 21 день тому +1

    Good one, thank you Kirsten. ♥

  • @hr96gp
    @hr96gp 21 день тому +4

    Would be very interested to know the cost of this renovation. Just a rough cost would be great.

  • @heidibear44
    @heidibear44 20 днів тому

    So beautiful and simple. Stunning!

  • @chongseitmooi2593
    @chongseitmooi2593 21 день тому

    Wonderful house restoration 🎉ilov it

  • @tiogoala7654
    @tiogoala7654 21 день тому

    Beautiful stone home.

  • @pty1pty2
    @pty1pty2 18 днів тому

    Bello indudablemente,❤, pero para algunos como yo quizás un poco frio

  • @_JanetLouise
    @_JanetLouise 21 день тому

    GORGEOUS!!!

  • @marianfrances4959
    @marianfrances4959 21 день тому

    Wonderful!! 👍😎🇨🇦

  • @yvonnekneeshaw2784
    @yvonnekneeshaw2784 21 день тому

    Stunning 🇨🇦 ❤

  • @namethem00
    @namethem00 21 день тому

    Lovely! Well done!

  • @laurieedeburn2449
    @laurieedeburn2449 18 днів тому

    thanks

  • @marykimberlyhayes
    @marykimberlyhayes 21 день тому

    Perfect!

  • @0M0S01A
    @0M0S01A 21 день тому

    Lovely Home

  • @rebacarmack8335
    @rebacarmack8335 20 днів тому

    Beautiful

  • @Brian-nt1hh
    @Brian-nt1hh 21 день тому

    Not a complaint about everything about this

  • @toddincabo
    @toddincabo 21 день тому

    👍 love it

  • @cmsmith3010
    @cmsmith3010 21 день тому +2

    I agree with other commenters; I would add loft space in both rooms. But I do love the old stone buildings with wood and tile. A simple but elegant space.

  • @iljavoronin163
    @iljavoronin163 21 день тому +1

    Испанская речь просто песня!

  • @gigi-iv4gj
    @gigi-iv4gj 20 днів тому

    Wow, guys, you surprised me,!!! Speak Spanish. Great 👍

  • @sokram1
    @sokram1 21 день тому

    espectacular

  • @cinnamon8884
    @cinnamon8884 21 день тому

    gorgous!

  • @bige8549
    @bige8549 18 днів тому +1

    It’s great that the ruins were restored so thoughtfully. However, that park belongs to everyone; I don’t think it is right that one wealthy family should be able to live there as though it is their backyard.

  • @SeaTurtle515
    @SeaTurtle515 21 день тому +1

    The thick rock walls are the insulation.

  • @Kara_2505
    @Kara_2505 21 день тому

    Love the stylish/in style subtle renovation and the spaciousness they kept.
    .
    Is it a family holiday compound? Because of the other buildings and the relatively large number of solar cells?

  • @janetbaker3616
    @janetbaker3616 21 день тому +2

    No plastic or vinyl to be seen. Va bene.

  • @canyonhaverfield2201
    @canyonhaverfield2201 20 днів тому

    And why did you not film the neighboring buildings? Your host was so confident, slightly elusive, and gorgeously graceful. Reminds me if the saying- women are elegent, men are sticks.

    • @nicolasboullosa
      @nicolasboullosa 20 днів тому

      Too big a story: it’s a house of a painter and an industrial designer, the conversation was very interesting but the day felt short. We are invited to get back with more time; hopefully we can show it to you soon. The surrounding forest is also interesting, old cork oaks mainly.

  • @wildcountry.
    @wildcountry. 19 днів тому

    Beautiful execution of craftsmanship, though something rings hollow with "the simple life" coupled with bespoke architecture, handcrafted high end cabinetry, designer stoves, ditto bathroom and large oil paintings - not usual mainstays of off-gridders. One can question if pellet stoves are really self sufficient - unless one makes one's own pellets? That said it's a beautiful space and an impressive traditional artisanal reconstruction with few alterations to the original structure. I'm guessing the neighbour is a rental unit as it's unusual to be able to split properties in ES Natural Parc legislation.

  • @Eliguitar1
    @Eliguitar1 21 день тому

    Beautiful place and impressive renovation. I always wonder if these types of videos are advertising an air bnb or if it's just a wealthy person who is really proud of what they built/have (or both). Either way, extremely nice place. Would be very pleasant to spend time there.

    • @nicolasboullosa
      @nicolasboullosa 21 день тому

      Her private home. She's a Barcelonian but moved to the hay loft home during Covid. Now she goes back and forth since she has her business in the city.

  • @lunzie01
    @lunzie01 19 днів тому +1

    I want to know how the pellet stove is hooked up to the radiant floor.

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 21 день тому

    👍👍

  • @denisblack5689
    @denisblack5689 18 днів тому

    how about the other structures? will there be a video about that as well?

  • @0722iceman
    @0722iceman 15 днів тому

    #dreamhouse, #dreamlifestyle, #dreamwife

  • @HilaryB.
    @HilaryB. 21 день тому +1

    I love this home! The only thing I would have done differently would be to put the wood burner in the living area, which I think would look better, so I could screen off the bedroom with a curtain or something. But that's just me. It's really lovely though, and what a fantastic setting!

  • @---up2iu
    @---up2iu 18 днів тому

    Are the solarpanels also restored from befor? I never saw a solarruin 😂

  • @Corvaire
    @Corvaire 21 день тому +1

    Beautiful home.
    I am curious why other areas were not shown.
    ie, that pool looked nice.

  • @veronherrera
    @veronherrera 21 день тому

    amazing restoration.
    your spanish is very good Kirsten!

  • @adamtash2891
    @adamtash2891 21 день тому

    what was the cost of the project?

    • @NeaFrea
      @NeaFrea 21 день тому

      Money, money, money - must be funny - in the rich woman's world

    • @serafinacosta7118
      @serafinacosta7118 21 день тому

      Don’t ask. If you have to know h ow much it cost , then you cannot afford it.
      It is sunk cost and she is pleased to enjoy. That is all it matters to her.

    • @adamtash2891
      @adamtash2891 21 день тому +2

      @@serafinacosta7118 your response is stupid and insulting. don't make demands on my behavior.
      she wants to invite us all in and show off her project ....so share the cost. "all that matters to her"....then why make it public? no one watches the video to see what she thinks. no one cares what mtters to her. people watch bc of the project...dont fool yourself.
      maybe I want to do a similar project but want to spend as little as possible.....maybe I want to know the prices for such similar properties.
      your assumption that I cannot afford to fix up a ruined barn with free stones from the river is idiotic.

    • @kelleyhawk6595
      @kelleyhawk6595 21 день тому

      @@adamtash2891 most likely it’s cheaper than a lot of America. My husband and I spent sometime in Barcelona and on food, medical, gift shops, clothing etc. there is NO tax. And the cost of everything was so much cheaper than the US. That was 4 yrs ago when we came back. But we didn’t buy property. Taxes are on the purchase of property and homes. Which can be higher than the US, ( I can’t remember what else), Just as an example, we went out to eat one night, had fresh oysters 12, a whole cuttlefish, calamari, 6 giant prawns, 6 large clams, and a whole flounder…😮‍💨caught fresh that morning. NO tax, it was in Euros that equaled approximately $30.00 USD.

    • @serafinacosta7118
      @serafinacosta7118 21 день тому +1

      @@adamtash2891 this is not a better homes and garden with a budget window. Costs estimates would not resonate any better since they are on the other side of the planet. They simply do not translate.
      This is about one person who bought some land and chatel and figured out to make an interesting and livable place to dwell.
      This “I scored so little , or I paid so much “ is an American habit. Of a very bad taste.
      On occasion, on this very channel , one might mention he /she saved a lot , but that is the extent of it.
      This is not your Home Improvement TV Channel with the Property Brothers. It is about best practices living solutions.

  • @TheUnheardVoices_
    @TheUnheardVoices_ 21 день тому +1

    What’s the market value of the home?

  • @helenapacheco5740
    @helenapacheco5740 День тому

    pena que tenha sido muito mal filmado, nem sequer foi mostrada a zona da sala de estar...

  • @jimmytwizzle7836
    @jimmytwizzle7836 21 день тому +4

    65 solar panels! That must be capable of generate around 30kwh. Why so much when you are off grid, you can’t sell it back to the grid!

    • @adamtash2891
      @adamtash2891 21 день тому +6

      more than one builidng there

    • @grilnam9945
      @grilnam9945 20 днів тому

      Said purely as a joke (Grow Farm)?

  • @rumbolzpunktde
    @rumbolzpunktde 21 день тому

    like it very much. I would add abigger table and more lamps.

  • @user-zv9xm2ix3o
    @user-zv9xm2ix3o 19 днів тому

    this house is so spanish

  • @jwebbw
    @jwebbw 21 день тому

    "But I would not feel so all alone",....everybody must go stone !!

  • @JakeRichardsong
    @JakeRichardsong 21 день тому +1

    Cost?

    • @NeaFrea
      @NeaFrea 21 день тому

      ABBA: ... must be funny ....

  • @EfficientEnergyTransformations
    @EfficientEnergyTransformations 21 день тому +1

    Sometimes is puzzles me how people with much esthetics do not see an obvious choice of adding space, especially when they have 7 meters sealing. The living space could have easily be doubled for the expense of having a round stairs in the house, and that would also help, a lot, with the winter heating too, as we all know that the warm air rises up. Not sure if the owner wanted this, but for most homeowners using the enclosed house space efficiently is usually a big aim especially when basically starting with an outer shell of the future house.

    • @mrdeanvincent
      @mrdeanvincent 21 день тому +3

      I'm sure they would have considered another level, or at least a mezzanine. Personally I love that they decided to keep it one level with the very high ceilings throughout. It looks incredible and it feels so spacious. It doesn't really seem as though they have any need for more floor space. And ceiling fans are very effective at circulating warm air in winter, if they're spinning in the correct direction.

  • @NeaFrea
    @NeaFrea 21 день тому

    Absolutely beautiful and I am glad that the belt of her jacket hangs down, otherwise the perfection would be almost obscene.
    Absolutamente hermosa y me alegro de que el cinturón de su chaqueta cuelgue hacia abajo, de lo contrario la perfección sería casi obscena.

  • @briankuhl9314
    @briankuhl9314 20 днів тому

    I would like a bit more explanation of the main houses and the relationship to the owner there. The isolation in the reserve, but with very close neighbours that are not explained was disconcerting.

    • @nicolasboullosa
      @nicolasboullosa 20 днів тому +3

      We want to do a video on it. It’s a farmhouse that’s now a painter’s studio and her husband's, an accomplished designer. It’s another generation and deserves a calm narrative path on its own. Better not rush things. I understand this is YT but things stay, you have to do it right. 2 houses are independent, and are not the same owners despite being family.

  • @MikeMoralesCalifornia
    @MikeMoralesCalifornia 19 днів тому

    A supreme disappointment your cameras were not invited to see the rest of the property.
    We know you wanted to.
    Oh well.

  • @Wigington24
    @Wigington24 21 день тому

    I don't know how you would heat that thing. Id put a rocket mass stove in there

    • @kelleyhawk6595
      @kelleyhawk6595 21 день тому +1

      The walls r made to hold the heat and it doesn’t get that cold there. The rock and clay insulate it well. One meter thick is 3 feet. It’s probably better at heating than most modern homes.

    • @Wigington24
      @Wigington24 21 день тому

      @@kelleyhawk6595 thank you all I saw was solid stone walls no insulation.

    • @santiagofernandez3215
      @santiagofernandez3215 20 днів тому

      It's not Michigan, it`s Spain! 😀

    • @gerhard6105
      @gerhard6105 15 днів тому

      My house has 20", 50cm thick natural stone walls from 1870 and it keeps out the heat very good. I heat it with oil and wood. The wall inside is plastered and I have 20 °C in the living room. In the summer outside it might be 30 but inside it is still 20. I live in the Ardennes

  • @NeaFrea
    @NeaFrea 21 день тому

    Money, money, money
    Must be funny
    In the rich woman's world
    Money, money, money
    Always sunny
    In the rich woman's world

    • @kelleyhawk6595
      @kelleyhawk6595 21 день тому

      U r completely ridiculous! Who says this over and over in the comments!!! 🙄🙄🙄 nut job

  • @aLadNamedNathan
    @aLadNamedNathan 20 днів тому

    She wanted to preserve a ceiling that wasn't there?

    • @nicolasboullosa
      @nicolasboullosa 20 днів тому +5

      Rephrase it as: the leftovers or the collapsed roof found within the building’s enclosure were basically the same type of roof and technique (beams, bricks, tiles, style).

  • @fudogwhisperer3590
    @fudogwhisperer3590 21 день тому +20

    No insulation?? Not sure that would work. Seems like a lot of wasted space where a second story could be added creating double the floor space.

    • @deekang6244
      @deekang6244 21 день тому +5

      A loft….

    • @joseguillermoovazquezherna3465
      @joseguillermoovazquezherna3465 21 день тому +8

      Quizá porque quisieron conservar la instalación, si hubiera puesto aislamiento tendrían que poner elementos que les recordarían a su casa en Barcelona.........justo de donde vienen huyendo como dice el vídeo....haz vivido en una casa de piedra o adobe?🤔😒

    • @adamtash2891
      @adamtash2891 21 день тому +22

      the walls are a meter thick
      its also in a region tha never snows
      but i agree 7 meters tall should be 2 floors t least for part of the interior

    • @Luigi_Vaz
      @Luigi_Vaz 21 день тому +15

      My grandparents own a 16th century house with stone walls that thick. Stone walls that thick are pretty well insulated themselves. The only issue is the apparent lack of insulation in the ceiling.

    • @forestgirl9233
      @forestgirl9233 21 день тому +20

      maybe they simply don't need more space, this is exactly what they want and need.

  • @elle50472
    @elle50472 21 день тому

    Looks too dark in the entire building. Got an uninviting vibe and a clinical, not homey feel.

    • @nicolasboullosa
      @nicolasboullosa 21 день тому +5

      Not at all what we experienced. Light is beautiful inside, especially because *all* surfaces, with no exception, reflect the light beautifully. Unfortunately, cameras aren’t up to the task with reality. I love when my bedroom gets dark at night and my circadian rhythm adapts accordingly. Some people don’t like disco-style lighting or a blast of Mediterranean sun on top of the bed. I think it was wise to leave the window small as it was.

  • @pixelsicle
    @pixelsicle 21 день тому

    Does she own the main house as well, was that reconstructed?

    • @serafinacosta7118
      @serafinacosta7118 21 день тому

      It is all chatel. She probably owns the buildings and land.