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Entertainment Barn And Pool hardscape Overview
When Bob first approached us about this entertainment barn, he had already prepared architectural plans for the shell of this structure. This barn project had been in his dreams for 10 years, and during that time he had been collecting inspirations in his travels. The architectural plans had most of the structural details mapped out, but there were a number of details that needed to be finalized. One of the guiding principles for the design of this entertainment barn was that it had to appear to have been built at the same time as the custom home, which had been built 10 years prior. That dictated finishes in the façade, doors & windows, and more. While this did create some additional work in some aspects, it also eased many decisions!
As we began working with the local municipality and started working on the 3D renderings of the existing home and the barn, we reached the conclusion that the barn would visually overwhelm the house. The original design included a separate pool house structure, which would be very near to the home. The pool house structure was removed, and those functions were incorporated into the barn as we completed the interior details. While the barn originally had a third story loft, that was deleted and the overall structure lowered 5’. This kept the barn in proportion with the home. The clerestory is one of the signature features that defined this project, and was an important architectural detail for Bob.
The first floor living space includes a gathering room and a small kitchen. The kitchen has very similar finishes to the home. We matched the color of the custom cabinetry and hardware, and found an exact match for backsplash inlay. We were also able to use the same paint throughout the barn that was used in the home; this paint is a commercial grade that is chip resistant as well as water resistant, allowing heavy duty cleaning if needed without damaging the paint! We invested a lot of time tweaking the layout of the bathroom. Since the pool house had been removed, the first floor bathroom would serve as a changing room. We created a separate changing room with custom cabinetry for storing towels & clothes. The bathroom features a fully tiled shower, with a pebble floor. As part of our interior design assistance, we curated a short list of recommended tiles for the client. The endless choices of tile in a showroom can overwhelm anyone! The concrete floor received an aggressive grind & seal, which created the perfect floor for a barn!
The garage was originally intended to be unheated, but since that would limit plumbing options this was fully insulated with spray foam. Sidemount garage door openers provide reliable, silent operation. The garage doors match those in the home, but with the addition of windows to provide natural light. A full length floor drain allows easy washdown and cleanup of vehicles and lawn equipment. A hot & cold faucet was added in the garage, as well as two electric car chargers. While Bob didn’t have any electric cars, he wanted to prepare for the future as well as provide for guests. Floor heat with a gas boiler provide efficient, cozy heat throughout the entire first floor. The first floor living space has central air conditioning.
The fireplace on the second floor had two guiding principles. It had to be big, and it had to be wood burning! A Rumford fireplace was chosen for its superior efficiency, and an adjacent woodbox provides storage for wood was well as additional counter space. The Rumford design reflects much more radiant heat over a larger area than a traditional fireplace. A piece of hickory salvaged from an old barn was used for the mantel. Pennsylvania bluestone was chosen for the hearth and woodbox for its inherent beauty, and LED canister lights highlight the natural stone veneer. The fireplace presented several design challenges, both to support the weight and create a tall enough chimney due to the steep pitch of the roof.
The bar area is a highly detailed area with fully customized details. At the start of the project, we planned to add provisions for plumbing for the future bar but had no design. As the construction project got well underway, we began to focus on designing this space. Again, Bob had several details that were important to him and were reflected in the final design. A key element was the desire for a backlit countertop. This presented several challenges and coordinating multiple designers and contractors, but the end results are stunning. A translucent quartz was chosen, and LED panels were used for even light dispersion. Lighting was also incorporated into the custom solid wood cabinetry.
The timber frame of the second story truly defines the space! It hearkens to the agricultural roots of Lancaster County and the many historic barns that are still standing today. LED tape highlights the timber frame and the stained pine ceiling, and the chandeliers provide a wonderful ambiance. The façade of the barn matches the home and incorporates some of the best low maintenance building materials available today. Standing seam metal roofing panels were the perfect fit for a barn, as well as providing an extremely long lifespan. Hardie siding is rot and insect resistant, and is highly fade resistant. Natural stone was chosen for its beauty and durability, and is a close match to the veneer on the home. Azek trim was used throughout, so no painting will be required to keep this entertainment barn looking like new! It was truly an honor and a pleasure working with Bob & Karen to realize their dream space, and we wish them many years of creating unforgettable memories with their friends and loved ones!
