I Turned this Derelict Timber Barn into a Modern Rustic Home

[@assjasupova]

Beautiful design! What an architects touch could do to a space in dire need of refinishing....

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you!

[@auntymarushkafah]

Turn the slats the other way and the world can't see in.

[@debbiemueller7067]

Hear, hear!

[@CoedtwrchWild]

Seconded, in every respect!

[@CoedtwrchWild]

…except about the slats in the comments below, because vertical slats would make it look like a Welsh barn and not an American one

[@MarkAshcroft-lj8qn]

I love your work so so much. For me this is some of the best content on KZbin. Imaginative, creative, thoughtful and insightful. It's a good day when one of these videos comes out.

[@gemmawheeler]

Wow, thank you!

[@victoriamacpriest7130]

I agree!

[@TracyCul]

Seconded!

[@Poppitywoo]

1000% agree!

[@bravescribbler9500]

💯 I’m a dedicated fan for life xx

[@handsinknead77]

That upstairs bathroom sold me! Modernity surrounded by rustic/chic. This is a barn saying it's not a barn but also being very barn. Love this!

[@yeahbee8237]

If you get tired of architecture you could do audiobooks!

[@gemmawheeler]

😂 thanks

[@Lunarl4ndr]

I'd love to see you tackle renovating a traditional Japanese home.

[@gregorydillon9167]

Those exposed walls would allow for so much out of the way shelf space, I'm kind of in love with the look and the potential practicality.

[@rudydedogg6505]

Gemma, I marvel at each of your designs but this, your latest presentation, is far and away my favorite. Your approach and selection of materials is so unique yet totally functional. Much admiration from South Carolina, USA.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you so much

[@latsword3513]

This is the only design of yours that I am not sure about. Stunning as usual but not sure about the practicality. The bathroom design is amazing but would be very hard to live with. For a home it would be a nightmare to keep clean, better as a holiday let. The mezzanine is a real luxury that I personally couldn't afford to lose the floor space for. Having said all that I'm always inspired by your designs

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks so much for your thoughts! I guess that’s what concept designs are about - trying things out to see if you could live with them and then you go one way or the other. I appreciate you taking the time to consider it.

[@StrongopinionsRus]

I agree. It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure it’s practical. I also don’t know if Gemma has been to upstate New York-it cold in the winter! All the heat would rise to the bedroom and it would probably be chilly downstairs, and uncomfortably warm in summer. I also wouldn’t like the bedroom so exposed to noise and light from the translucent bathroom if my spouse were in there while I was trying to sleep! Fine for a solo retreat, but not practical for even a couple. Gemma is amazing, though. I always love her videos!

[@hattym8312]

Weirdly kept wondering where the extract fan would be placed on all that glass (yes in the roof but then kind of spoils it) great design though love it

[@ataraxisbuildsthings429]

Absolutely as a holiday cottage 😍

[@1baubles]

This is absolutely gorgeous, but I'm not sure about the bathroom. The idea that you can vaguely see someone inside the bathroom as they are 'busy' doesn't go well with the need for privacy when inside that room. Beautiful design though. Keep on designing and we'll keep on watching. Thank you.

[@wesleyschol6182]

Once again you’ve delivered a striking solution that honours the origins of the building while providing beautiful, liveable space for the future: you are a consumate story-teller! If only I had resources to employ you!

[@richardrandomk]

I think this is your best yet; I love the translucent glass, great idea. I love how all these materials work together in this setting. I will share this with my students with an design eye, thank you.

[@MsForwardthinker]

I watch your videos with absolute awe at your creative thinking process. Love what you do with old structures, to modernise and bring to life, without losing their original integrity. Well done

[@urbankayaker]

gemma, this is an absolutely brilliant conceptualization that creates a wonderfully liveable home while preserving all the unique qualities of the original barn. i could easily envision a series of shelves placed between the studs on both sides of the little reading nook, filled with books and turning it into a beautiful little library. congratulations on creating such a marvelous transformation.

[@annbrookens945]

I saw bookshelves between the studs, too!

[@leannpower9599]

Love this idea! Or some draped linen curtains for some softness and privacy!

[@basiaszendrei1603]

Gemma you are a genius. I love your useful yet so out of the box designs.

[@maxgolaz1]

How can you keep in knocking them out of the park like you do!? Fabulous! Thank you

[@gemmawheeler]

🤣 thanks

[@hurlin108]

I'm hooked! So very enjoyable to see your creativity turn difficult spaces into magical ones.

[@Elle-kr8od]

I love the way you have honored the old, right down to keeping alive the spirit of the horse stalls. The exterior cladding seems brilliant to me, such captivating appearances both day and night. And I especially appreciate using stark modern materials to introduce the new interior elements. Your videos are a thought-provoking beautiful pleasure!

[@Ericthegreat1483]

Love this! My only thought is whether I would be too vulnerable sitting on the toilet and be slightly visible from the outside

[@gemmawheeler]

Haha I wouldn’t like that either!! The glass would be fully opaque but translucent so really couldn’t be seen through. I think maybe I got the levels a bit wrong in the render so it didn’t reassure people of that!

[@Ericthegreat1483]

@@gemmawheeler well it’s an excellent transformation. Can imagine a lovely lifestyle in there with all the light too

[@sammiesilver1421]

I absolutely love it! Would be great for a couple who both work from home, with all the common spaces but also little nooks for privacy. I could 100% see myself living in a place like this.

[@DorothyDianeParker-to2qr]

Old meets new, absolutely inspirational....

[@bespokecakes]

Yay! What a good day it is when one of your videos comes out! 🧡

[@gemmawheeler]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@julieforbes7593]

Love your designs and integrity in your work.

[@reddskair9523]

Yes yes yes! Another video!

[@SirHeinzbond]

finally some love for book readers, with that nook...i love the make up.... even thinking to build a house like this from scratch, not just as renovation...

[@creolelady182]

Brilliant way of putting your work out there to the masses

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

I look forward so much to your videos. You ALWAYS seem to bring a fresh look and design that is so inspirational. I am sure you have a lot of success.

[@amyholman354]

Palimpsest and translucent walls, hidden windows that draw in light. Lovely.

[@nickbrown5457]

Very beautiful! I'm just not sure about the translucent bathroom, I think I'd prefer solid walls.

[@beatricetreadwell5785]

Agreed. Privacy in the bathroom is a must for me.

[@scottanderson9275]

Love the translucent bathroom! Meis Van der Rowe would be proud!

[@donelmore2540]

When I was in the antique business, I worked a lot with the local lighting expert, who inspected and rewired (if necessary) all the antique lamps that I bought. I was talking to him once about my attraction to the Arts & Crafts style and furniture. He said, “You have to remember that those people lived in the dark!”meaning that they had small windows and lamps that didn’t put out much light. When I analyze your designs, I am reminded of his comments about living in the dark. PS, I’d put in a hand rail in the stairway so people of all ages can climb them safely.

[@olga138]

Chances are, in NY State, a hand rail would be required by zoning for this kind of renovation.

[@michellegable3191]

As someone who’s living on a farm from the beginning of the 19 hundreds I enjoyed the modern and the clean look and my favorite is the windows.

[@ninagoldiloks]

Remarkable The slatting, the white steel, the shine to the ceiling and props, the nighttime view, the introduction of sunlight. the center lucite bath, the open flooring!!! I remain amazed!!! Ty❤🎉

[@pearlhartney9]

Love your work! The animation gives such a great visualisation of what can be done.

[@Sherardia]

I believe this is my favorite design of yours! Hidden windows, open ceiling, translucent bathroom, this is amazing 🤩

[@jmk1962]

Not my favourite of your designs but I still like it a lot. I'm just not quite sure of the placement of the bathroom and think I'd prefer it where the reading nook is personally as it's current location seems to dominate the space IMO. Love the stealth window treatment and use of the existing barn door to hide the stairs/utility area.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks for your thoughts - they’re always appreciated! I know what you mean about it dominating the space. I think that’s what my aim was: to make the glowing box the heart of the building. I never know how these ideas will turn out til I build them!

[@AnnSarasvati]

I agree. Love the design and use of space except for the light box bathroom. I’d like it in the corner where the reading nook is as well. I am imagining myself as the owner working with you as the architect and coming up with the design.

[@jonasgladnikoff2757]

Love this! My first instinct was that the living spaces should go on the top floor and the bedrooms on the ground floor, but the way you placed things made for a much more unique and original layout.

[@veronicakalma5138]

Surprisingly, this is one of my favorites of your designs! I love the stealth mode of it, but also how you have accounted for every contingency and comfort!

[@jossfan]

I love so much about this beautiful transformation - the external insulation keeping the slats is particularly brilliant and the overall layout keeps the building's character so respectfully and so successfully! That bathroom though, gave me pause. Whilst I love the concept, I think there are two glaring problems. One is its physical dominance and the other is possible privacy issues during use. But do keep 'em coming, I am always so excited when I see you've posted another video and your work is always spectacular!

[@mamaahu]

This is absolutely exquisite! I deeply appreciate your vison and gifts. What a lovely, lovely channel! Don't I wish I had a project to let you loose on! I love the contrast of the "alien" object glowing as if it were dropped down into the old barn. The idea of using the slats is genius as is leaving the palimpset of the timebers from the old horse stalls. Love it love it!

[@maryt9375]

How lovely to see something that respects the origin of the building

[@mamaahu]

That is one of her many passions!

[@trubythummer7901]

Thank you!!! I love this. I could see myself living in this barn. The idea of external insulation both brilliant and inspiring; keeping the interior walls and studs preserves the barn's qualities; perhaps using external window shutter with interior glass windows that open from the inside. I also love the translucent bathroom but use half glass/wood wall facing the reading nook and one facing the bedroom and sunlight can still stream in! I would also add a ceiling fan on each floor to circulate warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer. Install a tv/entertainment center over the fireplace (winter is only two weeks where I live which does get 3-4 days hard freeze, occasionally snows). Galvalum roofing, instead of tiles, for better insulation. Please keep your videos coming, can't wait to see your next creation!

[@IAMabbysmind]

Oh my God. You just blow me away and make my head spin! What a gift you have! Incredible. Every time.

[@N-A-uw5fp]

It’s so beautiful from a design standpoint. You’re extremely creative! If I were to actually use you as an architect, I would let you design and then I would have you add things that I need to function in the home for example, a place for a washer and dryer, plenty of storage space, stinks with storage underneath , a place to hang all my coats…

[@DawnDavidson]

There is a washer dryer unit in the ground floor hallway leading to the downstairs bathroom. :)

[@drstevemarson]

Love these videos.

[@SkyeAten]

This is probably my favorite interior so far... gosh I want a tiny home like that.

[@teresafritschi6332]

YOUR WINDOW IDEA is fabulous. Bravo. (A Western New York native well-familiar with the vernacular architecture.)

[@katrinasteck597]

This is one of the best ones yet!!!! Love your work!!!!

[@m.rubland6737]

I am fascinated by your creativity and love the idea of preserving the original character of buildings. There's another video of yours in which a ruin is given a new life - it's a really great solution. What would bother me in reality with many designs is that if the design is so open and the bed is on the top floor, the heat goes up and it gets uncomfortably warm to sleep in in summer. I've read that almost all houses in the USA have air conditioning, so maybe that wouldn't be a problem there.

[@beatricetreadwell5785]

Agreed.

[@DawnDavidson]

Yes, some air conditioning would be needed for that upstairs bedroom in that area of New York. I grew up in Upstate (a suburb of Rochester), and I went to camp in the Fingerlakes area. I also lived for a bit in northern NJ, across from NYC, so I can confidently say that when it’s hot, it’s both hot and muggy. And when it is cold it is VERY cold. So I am not convinced about the open plan, especially regarding heating and cooling. And like some others here, I am also not convinced about the translucent bathroom walls. For me, were I living there, I might be ok with translucent from the waist up or so. I’d also be more inclined to put the fireplace in the center of the space, rather than the bathroom, although I do find the “light box” aspect of it interesting. Very interesting designs as always!

[@mamaahu]

Upstate New York has a challenging climate. Hot and muggy in the summer and often below-freezing cold in the winter. A month of mud in spring. One would definitely need ceiling fans at least.

[@MariannedelFontán]

Very nice! I like what you said about "disguising the house within". You put words to my feelings about a barn we want to reform, though it's quite different in other ways. It's smaller and has stone walls on 3 sides and nothing on one side which is where I thought the disguising should go. I'll see if you have any more barn conversions... :)

[@petrahartog5934]

I wish I had a barn Gemma .. .thank you , it's beautiful

[@13Luk6iul]

Each of your projects is pure treasure!

[@alixclark5605]

Love your work! We have just finished renovating/rebuilding an abandoned building of our own and I love that we have brought new life to an old building. Congrats on this and all your designs!

[@janel4582]

Wonderful ideas, I love the juxtaposition of rough rustic construction materials and the sleek crisp modern additions.

[@elizabethlevy9496]

Amazing. I LOVE the glow cube of the upstairs bath and the slatted window treatment.

[@Curlew-Corner]

How lovely. You never cease to amaze with your creative reimagining of the forsaken properties. Thanks for sharing.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Gorgeous, Gemma!

[@JustinUrHead]

love the work you do, always lovely to see older buildings given new life!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great work!

[@sarlat2982]

Stunning …. So ingenious ❤

[@susiehaddock6224]

Wonderfully, rustic, modern with a touch of magical glamour...might be my favorit !

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Yyeessss…one of my favorite notifications to get.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

I love that bathroom and that fireplace. It's amazing how well you made it fit into such an old building without looking inappropriate.

[@juliedesaulniers5899]

Beautiful ! Bravo!

[@mijntje79]

I loved this one so much! I just discovered your channel. Trying not to binge watch all your vids, but it's hard not to 😂. Super inspired by your creativity, mixing the true to tradition with modern elements. Elegant and practical.

[@alexbaer9997]

I would move in there asap. I live in very gently modernised 509 year old house. The architect has very much approached the building the way you do. I very much love your work. Always looking forward to your next project.

[@QuellederUrliebe]

Your depth and multifaceted way of designing spaces and transforming houses is so inspiring and fascinating for me. The way you look is full of wonderful creative surprises and fantastic solutions. I love your work. So brilliant ✨💎👍🙏🧡

[@lauriewarner4848]

You always amaze me at the way you address each plan you take on. Bravo.

[@herlastvoyage]

This makes me want to live in a barn

[@mehitabel6564]

How beautiful and clever. I particularly like this juxtaposition of the traditional timber elements with the sharp white and translucent glass elements. The translucent glass bathroom is inspired, and I have also liked the translucent element you've used in your other tiny homes. This is definitely something I'd like to incorporate into my own home. I also like that you honour the barn's original purpose so that it still sits recognisably within its landscape.

[@TotallyFictional]

So beautiful

[@lydiarowe491]

Brilliant proposal..the glowing bathroom cube would be the feature for sure..thankyou for sharing..

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

This is STUNNING!!! I think the translucent bathroom & horse stall usage are my favorite parts.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you 🙏

[@christinahand973]

Gemma, what you can accomplish with a small footprint and other limitations is nothing short of amazing! What you’ve created is beautiful but functional; modern but cozy and comfortable. Your clients must be absolutely thrilled.

[@PostImperfect]

It's such a delight when you release a new video. Congratulations on the growth of your channel

[@shawnrobertson9618]

Really lovely. Great exercise in turning constraints into benefits and beautiful design.

[@gm3cline]

Your work is incredible. Please keep sharing your designs!!!! I love everything you have done

[@ashleypierce8500]

I absolutely love each and every one of your OTHER designs and videos. 🙂

[@glennirwin4710]

Just fantastic.

[@juliemarkham4332]

Absolutely amazing. Love the slotted window idea.

[@missellehayes]

Absolutely breathtaking!! Your artistry amazes me.

[@cirene9590]

Gorgeous. Excellent explanation as always. Love love love the transformation and still keeping the barn's identify. Very creative.

[@mohammadcheema7375]

Absolutely brilliant! The slatted windows, the mezzanine floor, glass bathroom and reading nook are genius. Thank you.

[@AriesT1]

This has become one of my favorite KZbin channels. Thank you Gemma, once again an absolutely beautiful and creative design. The only 2 things I'd change would be to make the reading nook bigger to allow for a full sized home office and swap the reading nook with the office area downstairs. Rotate the sofa by 90°, so you create a U-shaped seating area with the window bench and the TV / home cinema spot on the northern wall. I'd love to see you approach a design with modern TV + home cinema in mind in a future video. 😄

[@gemmawheeler]

Great ideas - thank you! Ah sorry for being mean to TV users by rarely putting them in - yes, I will try and incorporate them more!

[@bkitteh6295]

It's beautiful! I couldn't live with translucent glass walls in my bathroom, but it looks stunning!!! ❤

[@misarabage1359]

This is so far my most favorite project of yours But I would add some reflective materials like Stainless steel, mirrors and glass also on the ground floor as you did on the second floor The glowing bathroom was amazing

[@jamieloom22]

Brilliant! Your creative use of space and materials is astounding.

[@joycei5926]

Another beautiful creation. Bravo. From one architect to another. I love your channel.

[@justinehughes3510]

I love it!

[@juliamacdonald3767]

Always a great day when a Gemma video appears.

[@ryanmundt9628]

Wow!! Another beautiful piece!! Well done.

[@reginaclark1816]

That is absolutely ingenious! Gorgeous!!!

[@homemoviesandotherstuff3419]

I get excited when I see a new post of yours. Your work is so creative, artistic, surprising, and thoroughly enjoyable. The very best of what you tube has to offer!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you so much

[@cheska9999]

Once again I am dazzled and buzzing with ideas from you video. Always a pleasure to see your work!

[@wakingtheworld]

Yet another 'Wow' transformation. Love how you create a modern living space while honouring the original structure. You are amazing....

[@Loyal2Jesus]

Brilliant! Upstairs glass wall cube!

[@faleravanbalen8175]

Your work is mind-blowing really!! Incredible how you always manage to incorporate the traditional elements whilst creating a unique ultra modern feel, and doing so whilst making is feel very well balanced. Really brilliant work and I hope to see some realised projects at some point. Also very curious to see how you would tackle non-residential projects like small offices, urban area's or landscape architecture. I'm an architecture student atm and you inspire me lots! I've watched all your video's, subscribed with the bell thing and shared your video's, and I also greatly appreciate that you never ask people to subscribe, all the more reason to do so! Have a lovely day!

[@mrdeanvincent]

Amazing as always. I could definitely live in this beautiful home. Love your work!

[@anketrischler2500]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@roberthughes1134]

Wonderful, simply wonderful.

[@focus19551]

I say this with everyone of your creations… This is the best one ever!

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

You are talented. I love what you do with small habitats.

[@jessemkahn]

Perhaps my favorite of your designs so far. It’s innovative, modern, yet respectful of the vernacular of the original structure.