Art Barn Studio & Hangout - Unique Solar Energy Structure

Built as an art studio and hang-out space, the Art Barn was conceived as a modern interpretation of a traditional 19th Century barn. Built with a traditional post-and-beam structure, the entire barn is organized as a three dimensional grid. The use of modern metal fins and pins, rather than the traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, allowed the posts to be much thinner than in traditional barns. These fins also provided a lateral stability that enabled the structure to be built without corner braces, the diagonal “dog-eared” beams normally seen in post-and-beam construction. The effect of these differences gives the structure a light, modern feel. Solar panels and passive heating and cooling concepts were incorporated into the architecture-so, except for winter days without sun, the building stays comfortable temperature year-round with little active heating or cooling necessary. (It should be noted that the window wall and doors were not built by Art of Building).