How a Forgotten Barn Became a Peaceful Country Home With a 30 Foot Ceiling

Tucked into the rural landscape of Quebec, a century old barn was facing an uncertain future. Weathered, worn, and no longer fit for use, the building could easily have been torn down. Instead, architecture studio La Firme saw potential in its bones. The project focused on saving the original structure and giving it a new purpose as a modern country home, ensuring the building could continue to exist rather than disappear.

Saving Every Beam of the Original Structure

Preservation sat at the heart of the transformation. Every piece of the original hemlock framework was salvaged, numbered, and stored while the foundations were reworked. Once construction began, those same timbers were reinstalled, guiding the layout of the new interior. Rather than imposing a new structure within the old shell, the existing framework dictated how the spaces would unfold.

A Rustic Exterior Designed for Modern Living

From the outside, the barn retains its aged wood facade, blending naturally into its agricultural surroundings. The exterior cladding is finished in natural hemlock, while white cedar is used for the deck, staircase, and entry bridge. The result feels familiar and understated, allowing the building to sit comfortably beside the existing country house while quietly signaling its new role as a contemporary residence.

A 30 Foot Ceiling That Lets the Barn Breathe

Stepping inside reveals the most dramatic change. A soaring 30 foot ceiling defines the main floor, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere. Original wood elements remain visible throughout, grounding the space in its history. The generous height allows light and air to move freely, reinforcing the sense that the barn has been allowed to breathe once again.

A Dining Space Filled With Natural Light

At the heart of the main floor sits the dining area, bathed in daylight from expansive windows. These openings frame views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and distant mountains, bringing the outdoors firmly into the daily rhythm of the home. The space feels communal and relaxed, designed for long meals and gatherings across generations.

A Soft and Functional Kitchen Next Door

Adjacent to the dining area, the kitchen continues the calm and understated palette. Whitewashed walls provide a neutral backdrop for thin floating shelves and light green cabinetry. The design avoids visual clutter, allowing the kitchen to feel open and connected to the surrounding spaces rather than closed off.

A Living Room With Subtle Contrast

On the opposite side of the dining area, the living room introduces a slightly bolder note. A black fireplace surround creates contrast against the bright interior, while a custom wood bookshelf offers both storage and warmth. The space feels comfortable and grounded, designed for everyday use rather than formality.

A Games Room With Just Enough Separation

Also located on the main floor is a games room featuring a pool table. Positioned behind a partial glass wall, the room remains visually connected to the rest of the barn while offering a sense of separation. This balance allows different activities to happen at once without breaking the openness of the space.

A Staircase That Connects Every Level

A light wood and white staircase links the various levels of the barn. Its simple design avoids visual heaviness, allowing views to remain uninterrupted as you move upward. The staircase acts as a quiet transition between communal spaces below and more private areas above.

A Balcony Overlooking the Heart of the Home

At the top of the stairs, a balcony looks down onto the dining area below. This elevated vantage point reinforces the vertical drama of the space while maintaining a sense of connection between floors. It also highlights how the original structure continues to shape movement and views throughout the home.

Private Bedrooms With Views of the Trees

The upper floor houses multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Here, the atmosphere shifts toward privacy and calm. Bedrooms are positioned to take advantage of treetop views, offering a quiet retreat that still feels connected to the surrounding landscape. The materials remain consistent, ensuring continuity with the spaces below.

A Landscape That Connects Home and Outdoors

Outside, landscaping weaves the barn into its setting. A path links the building to a swimming pool and yard area, encouraging easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Rather than dominating the land, the design allows the barn to sit quietly within it, reinforcing its role as a peaceful country home.

By salvaging every beam and letting the original structure lead the design, La Firme transformed a forgotten barn into a home that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Before photography by Christian Elie | After photography by Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard