Inside an otherworldly chicken coop that lights up over winter
This unusual coop is also a feature of the landscape at night.
Photos: Kristina Barker
The brief for architect Brad Tomecek from the owners of Black Hills Farm was to design a coop that would be worth looking at.
“Architecturally, the primary goal was to elevate the design of a typically uninspired structure, without sacrificing its effectiveness.”
- Egg collection: Doors at the back of the nesting boxes open to the outside for easy access.
The owners live on a small block in Black Hawk, about an hour’s drive east of Denver, Colorado, and have a flock of 30 hens.
The 3m x 3m x 3m cube has a wooden frame and sits on four concrete blocks. It has translucent panels and a cedar insert for the nesting boxes. The wall panels are perforated around the top for ventilation.

Lighting up: The coop has lights so the owners can extend the laying period during winter. The coop doubles as a lantern at night and is visible from around the property.
Designer: Brad Tomecek / tomecekstudio.com / @tomecekstudio
Love this story? Subscribe now!
