This cow barn, located in the vicinity of Basel, on the foothills of the Jura, in Switzerland, was designed by the architectural firm F.A.B. + Forschungs + Architekturbüro AG. The project covers a total ground area of 2,000 square feet, and was completely finished in 2005.
The project’s main motivation came from a change in business direction in the existing farm. Its owners decided that they would make the change towards an increased production of milk, which therefore raised the need for the construction of a new cow barn.
They wished to build a cow barn that would blend seamlessly with its surroundings, remaining organic while still serving its purpose of housing the milk cows for the dairy farm. Nevertheless, they wished for it to represent the strong industrial character of agriculture, and so stand on its own against the surrounding rural landscape.
The interior is characteristically rustic, as befits its purpose, with walls made out of branches which allow for easy ventilation and illumination. The light seeps into the interior, creating a play of shadows on the floor, a lovely welcome to whomever comes to visit the interior of the cow barn. The setting is finished with a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.
