Dual-Use Residential

Nevada County, CA

Design Start Date:      Building Completion Date:    

February 1992

May 1992

Project Description:

The design of a horse barn for a rural site near Grass Valley, California became a creative challenge when the barn was to also serve as a wedding site. Creating an aesthetic which could recall the feeling of a wedding chapel, yet ultimately function as a working barn was a particularly exciting assignment.

Architecturally classic in form from the exterior, the barn expresses an intricate pattern of roof trusses on the interior. Clerestory windows flood the central space with light. Interior wood is left natural in color, while the exterior is a dark "barn red" accented with gray and white trim.

The 40 ft x 65 ft barn is comprised of 2 stalls, feed storage area, tack room and office. One side of the structure is open to fenced paddocks. The design is modular, to allow for division into 6 stalls in the future.

Of particular note is the speed with which this project was completed. Design and documents were completed in 2 weeks, permits obtained in 1 week and construction finished in 8 weeks. The Owner personally assembled the roof trusses and supervised the construction. The remote location made transportation and installation of the custom-fabricated trusses an exceptional challenge.

The finished building sits quietly on a wooded knoll above the pastures and main house. Its form, texture and color blend comfortably with the Sierra foothills environment.