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Rustic Inspiration: Barn Home Ideas

The barn home is a classic house design with a timeless aesthetic. With their throwback features and exposed wood finishes, barn homes can be otherwise thought of as houses designed in the style of barns or barns converted into living spaces. While barns may call to mind farm-related images such as livestock and dirty boots, the reality is that these types of homes are well suited for elegant personalized touches. When designed with a commitment to long-term durability and fine craftsmanship, barn homes make for great investments. Here’s a look at some of our favorite barn home interiors to give you a better idea of how barn living translates to a luxurious house that you can call home.

If you’re ready to get started on your own barn home project, request a free quote today!

Room With A View: Planning For A Window Wall

Nothing brightens a room like natural light shining through a big window, but what if you could amplify that effect? The addition of a window wall means you can make the most of your outside view, whether that’s a stunning outdoor landscape or a bustling urban scene. Further, window walls add a breath of fresh luxury to any interior space, be it a residential home or a commercial property.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a window wall is a large expanse of glass that replaces one of a building’s exterior barriers. Window walls make for stunning views, increased natural lighting and an easy way to add to the elegance of your space. Highly customizable, these building features can span anywhere from a section of the wall to the entire exterior side. Additional personalization can be achieved by way of the client’s desired shapes and finishes.

DC Structures designs and assembles pre-engineered materials packages in the reliable style of post-and-beam construction. This building method, which is often referred to as timber framing, makes for sweeping open-concept interiors and increased structural longevity. Further, this construction style lends itself to highly customizable layouts due to a decreased need for load-bearing walls as additional structural support. From a design perspective, this makes it very easy to plan for a window wall. Of course, there are still some very important considerations to evaluate during the planning phase of your window wall project.

The most important thing to consider before adding a window wall to your building plans is the exterior barrier that you would like to replace. Positioning plays an important role when it comes to security, privacy, practicality and energy efficiency. It’s imperative that you get it right the first time, as a poorly placed window wall can easily go from classic elegance to sheer annoyance—particularly if it is subject to intense sunlight from sunup to sundown. Ask yourself if a window wall in your desired location will result in unwanted glare or natural light overload.

Smart placement for your window wall should also entail a consideration of privacy that many know and appreciate as an inherent comfort of home. For example, a window wall in the front of your home could pose both a decrease in privacy and an increase in security risk. With valuables on display in clear view, burglars could find it easier to case your home for theft. What’s even more alarming is that it could provide an unwanted assessment of your habits and vulnerabilities—which is especially concerning if you live alone. Intelligent window wall placement will keep your living space from turning into an unintentional zoo.

Last but not least, it is of high importance that the materials used in your window wall be designed with energy efficiency in mind. Windows are harder to insulate than standard exterior barriers, so the thermal performance of the windows will make a big difference in terms of energy costs and home comfort. DC Structures is proud to partner with quality window suppliers to ensure our customers’ window walls will maximize natural lighting while deflecting unwanted heat or chill. If you’re ready to get started on your one-of-a-kind home with an elegant window wall feature, request a free quote today!

When Horse Barn Kits Come to Life

DC Structures has designed and assembled countless horse barn kits. From small wood barns with one to two horse stalls all the way up to large-scale equestrian facilities for boarding businesses, there’s no horse barn project outside the DC wheelhouse.

Earlier this year, we shared some construction progress photos of this luxury horse barn in Tryon, North Carolina. Starting with a Columbia 72’ barn kit, these clients transformed this floor plan into an eight-stall horse barn with a double-sized tack room. Upstairs, a raised center-aisle loft makes way for hay storage and a viewing platform.

With construction finishing in the middle of this year, these clients and their equine friends have had a chance to settle in and make themselves at home. Check out the end result in the collage below!

Thinking about horse barn plans for your own property? Request a free quote today!

Under Construction: Garage Apartment in Sandy, Oregon

At any given time, the DC Structures team is hard at work designing pre-engineered materials packages for clients across the U.S. This stunning garage with living quarters is currently under construction in beautiful Sandy, Oregon. Adapted from our flexible Oakridge 48’ kit design, this luxurious garage apartment is expected to finish construction within the next few months.

Designed with a number of practical features that add convenience to the homeowners’ lifestyle, this large, multi-use residence includes a first-floor workshop and drive-through RV garage. Upstairs sits an elegant three-bedroom home, replete with custom river a rock fireplace and a large partially-covered deck for year-round enjoyment. A rooftop cedar cupola increases natural light while heavy timber trusses and select-grade Douglas fir posts add a touch of rustic charm.

Created in the durable style of post-and-beam construction, this garage with living quarters was built to last. Our post-and-beam building kits are assembled with top-quality lumber from the Pacific Northwest. This use of untreated heavy timbers has many benefits, including structural integrity, sweeping open-concept interiors, and an elegant aesthetic. Further, it allows for highly customizable floor plans due to the fact that post-and-beam buildings do not require load-bearing walls.

The Oakridge barn design is DC Structures’ most popular-selling kit, likely due to its highly versatile layout. Wonderfully suited to serve as a multi-purpose building, we’ve seen this flexible floor plan adapted for a number of practical uses. From barns with apartments to workshops with loft offices to RV garages with upstairs living quarters, the Oakridge is more often than not the right kit for the job.

If you’re thinking about a garage with living quarters for your own property, request a free quote today. Our experience spans the contiguous U.S., and our portfolio of projects is a testament to the quality craftsmanship of our work. Whatever it is you hope to accomplish with your garage apartment design, DC Structures can make it happen.

Post and Beam Construction: A Timeless and Structurally Sound Building Method

Post and beam construction is one of the most enduring and celebrated building methods in the world. With roots tracing back to ancient Europe, this construction style has stood the test of time as a symbol of architectural beauty and durability while seamlessly evolving to keep up with shifting industry demands. Whether you’re an architect, a builder, or a homeowner, understanding the unique aspects of post and beam construction can transform how you approach your next project.

If you’re interested in utilizing this building method for an upcoming build, keep reading below to learn more about this time-tested construction technique, its key characteristics, and what makes post and beam construction an excellent choice for your home or structure. 

What is Post and Beam Construction?

Post and beam construction is a centuries-old building method that utilizes vertical posts and horizontal beams to create the foundational framework of a structure. Its wooden members are joined by metal fasteners and connectors, either visible or hidden, to secure its sturdy interlocking frame.

Unlike a conventionally framed structure, which requires load-bearing walls to support the upper floors and roof, a post and beam building relies almost entirely on its timber posts and beams for structural support. This unique feature paves the way for spacious, vaulted interiors, where its wood framing components become a focal point of beauty and strength.

Key Characteristics of Post and Beam Construction

Post and beam buildings feature several unique aspects that make them highly desirable — not the least of which is their flexibility and exposed wood frame. At a glance, here are some of the most notable characteristics of post and beam construction that keep clients coming back for more:

Aesthetic Grandeur

At its heart, post and beam construction stands out for its ability to create expansive, open spaces that embrace natural light and offer unobstructed views. This design freedom allows for soaring ceilings, large windows, and a sense of connection with the surrounding environment, making it a preferred choice for homes and buildings in scenic coastal, high desert, or wooded locations. 

Durability and Longevity

Post and beam structures are known for their robustness and resilience. Their use of heavy timber posts and beams ensures superior structural integrity, allowing these buildings to endure for generations. 

Versatility

Post and beam construction offers immense design flexibility. Whether you envision a rustic cabin, a modern minimalist home, or a traditional barn, this method can accommodate your architectural preferences. Its adaptability to various styles, climates, and landscapes makes it an attractive choice that provides complete creative freedom for your interior and exterior. 

Sustainability

As sustainability gains importance in construction, post and beam construction aligns well with eco-conscious principles. Natural materials coupled with the longevity of post and beam structures reduce its environmental impact. These designs can also incorporate energy-efficient features, further enhancing their eco-friendly characteristics. 

Embracing Tradition and Innovation with a Post and Beam Structure

Post and beam construction is more than just a building method; it’s a fusion of form and function. Its rich heritage, combined with its ability to meet contemporary design needs, makes it a compelling choice for any construction project. If you’re envisioning a space that balances aesthetic appeal with structural integrity, consider the timeless elegance of post and beam construction.

At DC Structures, we offer an extensive line of pre-engineered post and beam building designs that you can modify and customize for your property. No matter your vision, we’re here to help you bring your dream heavy timber structure to life. 

Ready to explore the possibilities of post and beam for your project? Contact us to transform your ideas into reality! Give us a call at (888) 975-2057 or request a catalog today to start gathering inspiration for your personalized structure.