A look ahead.

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Here is the architect's concept for the upper level living space of our barn house. Notice how one can see from one end of the barn to the other at this level as well as right up to the peak of the roof. (Since this drawing was made we have decided to remove the square wall separating the kitchen from the dining area so as to gain more space in the kitchen. The benefit of this is also that the view from one end to the other will be even less hindered. We are thrilled by the work done by our architects. Now if we can just pull this thing off...

Elevations

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In the process of envisioning what our barn house would look like, I knew that I didn't want to live in a barn that was nothing more than a barn - nor did I want to live in a barn that was no longer a barn, but a house whose "bones" were old (and hidden from view). I also knew that my basic design ethic was modern. The choice of architects was critical in being able to realize this fine balance between the ancient and the modern, the old and the new. These elevations demonstrate how well we did in choosing Jasonoah Design-build. A couple of design-points I really like: the vertical line of windows which "grows" out of the base of the building and "blossoms" into the dual, triangular windows at the peak of the gable end. These vertical windows will bring in light and tie together each floor. I also like the way the stairs rise along the outside of the building bringing up the visitor under the sheltering eaves of the roof and the way one can pause at the top of the stairs and take in the view before entering (the top of the stairs will be up in the trees practically).

Floor Plans

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Here is one very tangible way in which these designs have had to bow to budgetary demands: were we of less modest means we would either have bought a larger barn frame or added a number of "wings" or shed additions to give us more living space. Since we could afford neither of these options, our architects have had to be very creative with filling our extensive list of demands. We think they have done a marvelous job. Looking at the lower level floor plans one will notice that they have accommodated our desire to have a master bedroom with attached walk-thorough closet and master bath. They have also located the office space off the master suite (if you could call it that) - a feature which we rather like. The kids will share rooms, at least until such a time as this arrangement just ceases to work. Their rooms are narrow but tall - 12' for one and 16' for the other - both of which have lofts for added play space. The main living floor consists of a long living-dining-kitchen space. You will be able to see from one end of the frame to the other and right up to the rafters in this space. The loft is indicated by a dotted line. Notice how there are a few steps up to a "library" (movie theater? guest room?), then up to the kids' loft.

Sectional Views

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The perspective of each section view is indicated on the previous image of the floor plans. As you can see, our architects have developed an interior space that somewhat defies a simple box-like arrangement of rooms. What I especially like about this arrangement is that it incorporates multiple levels. Notice, for example, in section one how the level of the so-called "library" is the ceiling of the first kids' bedroom below. Then notice how the steps lead up to the loft and how the loft floor is actually the ceiling of the second bedroom below. This bedroom is a soaring 16' in height (see section two) and is the only room in the house in which you can see the original barn post in its entirety. This room may be high, but it is pretty narrow.