Tag Archives: apartment barn

Apartment Barn

Apartment Barn Kits For Family & Financial Gain

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The way Americans view their living spaces has been upended with the recent explosion of the shared economy. This trend–exacerbated by the fact that nearly 30% of American adults ages 18-34 stay with their parents–has given rise to an entirely new definition of a roommate. Formerly dormant bedrooms and living spaces can be transformed into lucrative endeavors, for those bold enough to forego privacy for profit. New, hybrid buildings are constructed every day to reflect patterns of flexible, small-scale living.

Thankfully, the team at DC Structures has evolved in lock-step alongside these recent developments, with the growth of our apartment barn kit product line. While the idea of a bespoke living space above a garage was once an upper-class luxury, we here in the Pacific Northwest have designed and built these gorgeous and affordable structures nationwide for over 15 years. Chances are, we have a project in your neck of the woods. Check out our gallery to see what we can create for you and your family.

If you were considering a new garage or mixed-use building for storage, take advantage of our trusted team of project specialists and designers and consider an apartment barn for your property with living space above for extra income or the occasional visitor. You could even be so generous as to host a lingering son or daughter, or use it yourself to finally carve out that special space for your hobby or workshop.

At DC Structures, we won’t just send you your materials package and head for the garage door – we are partners for the duration of your project long after completion. We know that by using our sturdy post-and-beam style of construction, combined with a durable mix of cedar and Douglas fir materials, your garage with living quarters kit will be built to last.

Let us help you create a heavy-timber style apartment garage built for the 21st century. We’ll share the expertise; how you use your structure is up to you. From shared living space designs for paying guests, to stunning wraparound decks and exterior staircases that overlook your property, DC has the versatility and experience to handle the most ambitious of projects.

For a simple overview of our design and procurement process, visit our process page.

Apartment Barn, Barn Kits, Barns, Engineered Barn Kit, Equestrian, Options, Upgrades

Eco Tips: Sustainable Barn Design

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DC Structures values good stewardship of the environment and earth’s natural resources. This principle is echoed through our space-efficient designs and our use of responsibly sourced products, such as premium heavy timbers from the Pacific Northwest. Our appreciation for nature and our focus on efficiency inform much of our approach to building design.

When you enter the design process with DC Structures, we begin by asking about your priorities. Beyond the usual need for more space, many people refer to energy efficiency and sustainability as important considerations in their overall building objectives. DC Structures has several eco-friendly barn designs, as well as additional options and upgrades to make any barn kit greener.

Take a look at this highly modified Oakridge apartment barn in Cornelius, Oregon, which boasts a number of sustainable upgrades. The building’s eco-friendly design—which includes solar panels, skylights, natural ventilation and an electric car charging station—has a big impact on this property’s energy expenditures. Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind when designing a sustainable barn of your own:

Start With Smart Design

When designing a barn, it’s easy to get carried away by what you want rather than what you need. But more space means more energy that’s needed for heat and light, which in turn makes for higher costs and more wasted resources. Instead of building a larger structure, consider what it is you need at the moment and design an efficient space for that purpose. If you think your needs could change down the road, choose a design that can be modified when the time comes.

Let Your Building Breathe

Like all livestock, horses carry with them a lot of dirt and dust. Between the bedding in their stalls and the hay they eat, particles of debris floating around in the stable can make it difficult to breathe. That’s why it’s important to have proper ventilation systems to protect both yourself and your horses. Installing a basic industrial ventilation system is an easy solution, but will also increase your energy costs to various degrees depending on the size of the space. Instead, consider adding natural ventilation options like extra windows or custom cupolas into your design for a more efficient building.   

Don’t Waste That Waste!

Besides dust, horses also produce a whole lot of natural waste. If you have several horses, all that manure will start to add up real fast—and figuring out what to do with it can be a stinky problem to work through. One solution is to compost the waste and repurpose it for use across your property. Our partner company, DC Builders, has a number of compost systems to show for in its portfolio, including these in Oregon City and West Linn. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable way to handle horse waste.

Whether you’re looking to build a new barn, or just some tips for your existing structures, trying to create a more eco-friendly property is a noble effort. Not only is it better for your land, your buildings, for you, your horses, and the environment, it also stands to save you a lot of money. Start planning your next sustainable barn project today, with a free digital catalog today.

Apartment Barn, Barn Kits, Barns, Construction, Equestrian, Oregon, Post & Beam, Riding Arena

Project Preview: Oregon City Covered Riding Arena and Barn with Living Quarters

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covered riding arena

At any given time, DC Structures has a number of projects under construction across the U.S. These range from residential homes and apartment barns to large-scale commercial operations such as athletic centers and event spaces. Once in a blue moon, we get a unique and rare opportunity to blur the lines a bit by designing and building a massive residential complex.

Currently, DC Structures is collaborating with its parent company DC Builders to finish construction on a custom mega-facility that consists of a barn with upstairs living quarters attached to a covered riding arena. It is our largest residential project to date, and it dwarfs several of our prior commercial structures.

Nestled on a large, scenic footprint in Oregon City, Oregon, this sizable hybrid structure measures a whopping 276’ x 138’. The covered riding arena is a DC Structures Prairie 90’, replete with the whole gamut of equestrian necessities. The sprawling indoor-outdoor facility provides ample space for year-round riding, with 90’ x 204’ of space to roam rain or shine.

Attached to the arena is a custom barn with sweeping upstairs living quarters, which was designed by DC Builders. The main level consists of six horse stalls, a feeding aisle, grooming, wash and grain stalls, powder and viewing rooms, as well as additional hay, bedding and equipment storage. In short, anything and everything you could possibly need to pursue your equestrian lifestyle.

The elegant upstairs home is a spectacle in its own right, boasting 4,635 sq. ft. of luxurious living quarters. A 344 sq. ft. deck overlooks the property, while a 430 sq. ft. viewing area gives spectators access to the arena. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and sizable bonus room are complemented by a huge open-concept living, dining and kitchen space. Practical features include large laundry and pantry rooms, and a storage room that is accessible from the viewing platform.

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DC Structures is proud to be involved in bringing our clients’ dream buildings to life. We’d love to turn your plans for the future into concrete and wooden reality! Request our digital catalog to get started today!

 

Apartment Barn, Barn Kits, Barns, Garages & Workshops

Oakridge Apartment Barns: One Kit, Limitless Potential

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apartment barns

DC Structures designs apartment barns for the dedicated hobbyists; the people who put as much energy into their passions as they do their livelihoods. Much like our clientele, we prefer an original approach. Our innovative line of post-and-beam barn kits offers flexible utility to meet our customers’ unique lifestyle needs.

The Oakridge apartment barn is our best-selling kit, as it is easily our most versatile design. Making efficient use of one structure for two purposes, the Oakridge brings our clients closer to their favorite personal pursuits. Whether you’re looking for an apartment barn to call home for you and your horses or a workshop with upstairs living quarters to hone your craft at all hours, the Oakridge can work for you.

The Swiss Army Knife of Apartment Barns

Below are three different ways the Oakridge apartment barn kit has been repurposed by our creative clients. We’ve seen the Oakridge evolve into a garage with sweeping upstairs living quarters, an energy-efficient apartment barn, and a hunting cabin with equipment storage and workspace. Of course, we know that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this functional structure’s potential.

Bend

This massive garage with elegant upstairs living quarters was adapted from an Oakridge 60’. With ample storage and workspace on the ground floor, this beautiful Central Oregon barn home is as functional as it is attractive. On the top floor, a sweeping open-concept kitchen, living and dining area is complemented by a large 600 sq. ft. covered deck.

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Cornelius

This efficient apartment barn was modified from the Oakridge 36’ kit design. Featuring a host of sustainable upgrades, this hybrid home houses two horses and two dogs. Skylights optimize natural lighting while a solar panel lessens energy dependence. The addition of an electric car charging station minimizes the burning of fossil fuels.

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Daggett

Designed from an Oakridge 60’ apartment barn kit, this workshop with cabin quarters serves as home base during hunting season. The attractive and functional structure boasts plenty of storage for heavy outdoor equipment, as well as fun additions to the living areas like a gaming space and wet bar.

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Scheming about what you would do with your own Oakridge apartment barn kit? Request our digital catalog for more inspiration!