Tag Archives: barn with living quarters

Apartment Barn, Barn Homes, Barn Kits

The Oakridge Barn Kit: A Popular & Flexible Design

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apartment barn kit

The Oakridge is our most popular apartment barn kit. Named after a sleepy country town located between Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley, this kit’s function is as dynamic as it is humble. The Oakridge building kit has gone through many different renditions, with the same durable post-and-beam frame, that are wonderful composites of our clients’ imaginations. What makes this kit popular beyond its five available sizes is the synergy between the main level’s utility and the loft’s open-concept livability.

Below are three excellent examples of the Oakridge that span a variety of uses and themes.

This Oakridge 60’ garage with living quarters in Bend, Oregon has a 48’ x 60’ frame nestled among the arid desert sage of Central Oregon. Above the multi-use, drive-through RV garage, is a lavish two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a huge open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area. Outside, 600 sq. ft. of partially-covered deck flows into and around the master suite and main living area. The deck and the garage doors are the two most distinguished alternative features on this rendition of the Oakridge 60.’

The 60-foot version of the Oakridge isn’t the only size option for this kit. This quiet piece of property in Cornelius, Oregon has a barn with living quarters based on the Oakridge 36’. Unlike the Bend configuration, this Oakridge’s main level boasts two horse stalls, two stalls for the dogs, and a tack room. Two shed dormers were kept intact for additional space. On the second floor sits 1,080 sq. ft. of living space, replete with guest room, full bathroom, office, living room, and kitchen. Nantucket dormers supported by handcrafted timber trusses hang over the residence as a testament to our craftsmanship.

The smallest, more scalable option, is our Oakridge 24’. These clients in Damascus, Oregon did an amazing job showing us what you can do with 1,214 sq. ft. of floor plan. We worked closely with them to create this perfect getaway, a party barn fit for both work and play. The breezeway on the main level sits between two sliding barn doors, making this an ideal spot for summer parties and events.

These variations are just a sample of how flexible we can be. More importantly, it further demonstrates why we give our clients so much autonomy when it comes to drafting their designs. The designers will be yours from the beginning, because a kit shouldn’t limit you; options and upgrades are not an issue. Have your pick of siding, dormers, stairs, stalls, whatever you desire.

Ready to get serious about your own building project? Request a free quote today.

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!