Modern Barn

Modern Barn

This long-time client commissioned MPF Architects to design a destination structure on their newly expanded property—one that could serve as a private getaway just steps from the main residence. The initial program called for a building that would act as a gathering place for the family’s grown children and friends while visiting, with an aesthetic that felt clean, cozy, and timeless. The primary challenge lay in configuring a layout capable of flexing seamlessly from an intimate two-person retreat to a gracious venue accommodating parties of 60 or more.

The design concept explores the interplay between positive and negative space: a simple, solid barn volume is juxtaposed against an adjacent glass box volume. Transparency and uninterrupted sightlines were key drivers throughout the design, allowing spaces to feel connected both internally and expand into the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the building is the main living area—a dramatic, two-story open space that integrates kitchen, dining, living, and bar functions. This central volume opens directly to a large, glass-enclosed sunroom, a lofted sitting area, and a second-floor bedroom with an en suite bath. Below, the barn includes a partially finished basement with laundry, wine storage, and utility spaces. Careful attention to proportion was critical in establishing both comfort and a clear hierarchy of spaces within the open plan.

Material selection played a significant role in shaping the experience of the barn. The client sought an aesthetic that felt historic and worldly rather than overtly rustic. A fir timber frame—bleached and sealed—serves as the primary structural and visual element, with plaster infill walls lending a more residential character. Hand-forged iron strapping punctuates the timber beams and is echoed in the custom railings and balustrades. A floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace anchors both the first- and second-floor sitting areas, each adorned with antique French mantels.

Exterior spaces were given equal importance. The pedestrian approach follows a herringbone brick path that passes a structured garden centered around a serene fountain filled with blooming lily pads. The path leads to the front entry and continues to a terrace that wraps the entire north side of the building. On the east corner, directly outside the sunroom, an L-shaped outdoor kitchen features a wood-fired pizza oven, creating a fully functional space for cooking, dining, and games. Just beyond, a fieldstone water feature conceals a hidden 100” television that rises for outdoor viewing.Interior decoration was a close collaboration between the owners and the architect. Furnishings, lighting, and finishes—including the limestone mosaic kitchen floor—were collected by the clients during their extensive travels. Each piece carries personal significance, adding warmth and authenticity and bringing an additional layer of comfort to this newly built yet unmistakably “old” barn.

At the building’s center is the main living area, a two-story open-air space that connects kitchen, dining, living and bar functions. Directly off this space is a large glass enclosed sunroom, lofted sitting area and second floor bedroom with en suite bath. The barn has a partially finished basement that includes a laundry room, wine room and storage. The structure’s proportions were critical for the architect to establish both comfort and a delineation of spaces. 

The building materials played a large role in crafting the experience of the barn, the client sought an historic and worldly aesthetic, as opposed to woodsy and rustic. The timber frame was a primary consideration, constructed of fir that was bleached and sealed. Incorporated between the timber frame are plaster walls, which establish a more residential environment. The timber beams are punctuated with hand forged iron strapping, which match the craftsmanship of the custom railings and balustrades. The floor to ceiling fieldstone fireplace addresses the first and second floor sitting areas, both of which feature antique French mantels. 

The exterior spaces are of equal priority to the client. The pedestrian approach along a herringbone brick path passes by a structured garden, in the center of which is a serene fountain complete with blooming lily pads. That same path leads to the front door and connects to a terrace that wraps the entirety of the north side of the structure. On its east corner, directly outside the sunroom, is an L-shaped outdoor kitchen equipped with wood fired pizza oven. The family enjoys a fully functional cooking space with room for outdoor dining and games. Around the corner is a fieldstone water feature, behind which a hidden TV lifts for prime outdoor sports viewing. 

The interior decoration was a collaboration between the owner and architect. The clients collected all the found pieces during their extensive travels. From the furniture to the lighting to the limestone mosaic kitchen floor tile, the family has a deep personal connection to each item in the space, which brings an added layer of comfort to this brand new ‘old’ barn.

Photography: Eric Piasecki, OTTO
Stylist: Helen Crowther
Featured In: Luxe Interiors & Design