DC Structures values good stewardship of the environment and the 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 several 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.

There are plenty of reasons to be exhausted by a construction projects, and one of the biggest of those headaches relates to project feasibility. As you begin your design, planning and construction process, it’s important to consider how things like zoning, building on protected lands and other new construction requirements may affect your project. With a little research and the right questions you can make sure you don’t end up putting the cart in front of the horse.

The first thing to consider is the kind of structure you want to build on your property. Depending on the size and intended use, there are hoops you may have to jump through with zoning and permit requirements. Will the structure be multi-functional and contain a living unit like this Shasta RV barn? If so, you will want to check with your county’s land use office for regulations on building new or additional residential units on your property. You may discover there are special permits you need to request and get approved before you start the building process.

The size of the structure you want to build on your property is also a point of distinction. It’s much easier to build a small structure on undeveloped property than it is to build an entire riding arena, like this impressive Canyon kit in Oregon City. If your property is still untamed or limited in use then you may want to consider a smaller more practical structure, like this Pendleton Shed Row barn. Its compact design is flexible and works well for any property.

Rural property owners should consider obstacles that come from building on undeveloped land. Keep in mind that building on undeveloped land requires you to plan out sewage, water and electrical solutions for your structure. You should also make sure the topography of your land lends itself to construction. Poor soil and rugged terrain can affect the foundation of your home over the long term and should be avoided. Other times there may be protected lands—such as wetlands or riparian zones—that can’t be built on. These problems can throw a serious wrench in any plans you have, so make sure you address them ahead of time.

The best way to avoid issues that may arise from building on your land is to be informed, and to work with experienced builders. Contacting your local planning commission will usually yield answers to any questions about zoning and protected lands, but it’s more difficult to find an experienced builder that you can trust. Nothing will provide more peace of mind than working with a contractor who has experience in the region you are looking to build.

DC Structures has worked with contractors both in-house and through outside partnerships to complete projects that span developed and undeveloped land, as well as those on rural properties and within city limits. You can trust DC Structures to get the job done right. Request a quote and start planning a dream home for your property today.

We’ve all heard of the man cave—that bastion of masculinity in all of its dart-board, mini-kegerator and classic neon-beer-sign glory—but what about the lady cave? The lesser-known lady cave is woman’s response to the man cave, and is born of the obvious yet under-celebrated idea that women need their own space just as much as men.

Otherwise referred to as a she-shed, the lady cave can serve a range of purposes depending on each individual’s vision and objectives. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, well-stocked craft space, a social meetup area or a private yoga and meditation room, DC Structures will work with you to determine which of our kits is best suited to meet your she-shed needs.

In the same way that man caves don’t always look like frat houses, lady caves are in no way relegated to the strictly “Frou Frou” file. If lace, frills and an ungodly amount of soft yet functional throw pillows all fit perfectly into your lady-cave vision, then DC Structures is happy to help you bring that to life. That said, what your lady cave looks like is entirely up to you—and we invite you to get creative!

While DC Structures offers a number of pre-engineered designs that can be easily adapted to the lady cave of your dreams, one in particular feels naturally up to the task. The McKenzie cabin kit is a simple, compact and elegant design that consists of 651 sq. ft. for you to make your own.

The McKenzie cabin layout includes high vaulted ceilings, which helps this low-impact building foster an airy and relaxing environment that is perfect for unwinding. With a range of options and upgrades to choose from, it’s easy to turn this basic cabin design into a functional she-shed that complements your lifestyle both personally and/or professionally.

Ready to dedicate some space on your property to the pursuit of peace and quality you-time? Request our digital catalog to get started on your lady cave today.

Are you a classic car nut? With summer inching ever closer, it’s time for your prized investments to come out of hiding and into view. Of course, car shows and warm-weather joy rides would not be possible without adequate car collection storage.

DC Structures creates barn kits specifically geared toward the dedicated hobbyist. If classic cars are your passion, then ours is to provide a top-notch car storage barn. That’s why we designed the Sellwood Garage Kit in three different sizes, ranging from two to four garage bays depending on the size of your classic car collection.

Storing collector cars is serious business, as exposure to humidity and other elements can cause irreparable harm to your vintage automobiles. In most cases, the standard home garage simply won’t cut it unless you invest in a digital climate control device. Even then, space is limited and risk is elevated on account of the fact that other tools and gadgets in frequent use will likely be stored in the same place.

Imagine your vintage autos showcased in an environment that’s been crafted with the attention to detail you possess when considering a new gem for your classic car collection. We know tastes vary, which is why we offer so many options and upgrades that allow you the flexibility to create a space you can be proud to say you designed.

Car barns are becoming an increasingly popular option for classic car enthusiasts, as their timber frame shells are built to last. Our barn kits are designed with top-quality lumber from the Pacific Northwest, and with proper upkeep over time will remain standing for generations to come.

If you’re ready to make a long-term investment in keeping your vintage car collection safe, request our digital catalog to explore options and upgrades for our car barn kit.

Spring is in the air, and business owners and entrepreneurs alike are wondering how to take their wedding and event businesses to the next level. For all the opportunities they provide, barns that can be used as private event spaces have become a top trend in the industry. From rustic weddings to company parties, DC Structures knows what it takes to get your event space up and running.

Wedding and event barns are a versatile and profitable investment, but like most smart business ventures, they require planning, foresight and upfront costs in order to be successful. While some people might be tempted to wing it on their own, the use of an experienced general contractor guarantees that your project will be executed in a professional and compliant manner. Below are some of the main considerations that go into establishing a private event space.

One crucial step in the planning process involves contacting county and state officials to request local guidelines for public venues in your area. Consulting with architects and business owners that are familiar with the permitting process can also be helpful. This will enable you to ascertain whether your property is properly zoned for year-round events, or if local specifications call for expensive safety equipment such as an emergency sprinkler system.

Going through the motions to understand and comply with local regulations and permit requirements can be annoying and time consuming, but it’s better to get ahead of any potential hurdles down the road. It’s always going to be more expensive to deal with problems in retrospect than to meet them head on with proper planning.

If a wedding and event barn is part of your business plan, you should open a line of communication with your bank or other financial institutions to see what options are available. Many aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs are often surprised to find that they qualify for small business loans and other incentives. Chances are, your bank will also recognize your plans for a private event space as a smart investment with high potential.

Between permits and financing to design and construction, building a wedding and event barn is no small task. That said, relying on a general contractor you can trust will go a long way toward easing the burden of getting your private event space off the ground. After all is said and done, you can rest easy knowing your business plays a role in memorable occasions for your customers.

Thinking about a wedding and event barn for your scenic property or small business? Request a digital catalog from DC Structures to get started on your dream.