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!
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 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.
When we ask our customers about their experience with DC Structures after the completion of their project, we often hear a similar sentiment—”the process was just so easy!” At DC Structures, we take pride in our easy building design process, making every step of our client partnerships as simple as possible. It’s what we refer to as The Process, and what it means is that we will be with you at every step of the way.
The Process begins with you, and figuring out exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t already have a kit in mind, our project coordinators will collaborate with you one-on-one to narrow down the specific features you want included in your structure. This will allow our design team to identify which of our several pre-fabricated kits will best meet your needs. After that, they’ll walk you through our countless upgrades and options that let you make your kit uniquely your own.
Once you’ve selected your kit and upgrades, our design team will get to work producing your final design and creating the blueprints for your structure. They’ll work closely with your project coordinator to make sure everything you asked for is present in the final design. Once ready, we schedule a final review with you and your contractor to make sure everyone is on the same page before moving forward with your pre-engineered building materials package.
Next, we pre-construct your structure using the finest sourced materials available, and ship the kit to your building site by your desired deadline. But, the process doesn’t end there. As an experienced and innovative construction firm, DC Structures provides building support throughout the construction process.
At DC Structures, we understand that building a new barn, home, riding arena or work space is a major investment, and we do everything in our power to make sure you are satisfied with the finished product. Our process, based on principles of communication and customer service, ensures that we are as helpful to our clients as possible, and that your structure is completed with care and craftsmanship. Request a digital catalog today to begin your very own building process with DC Structures.
DC Structures built its reputation by designing horse barns and barn-style homes, but what about spaces for your non-equine four-legged friends?
Our repertoire of projects consists of countless structures that were created to help equestrian enthusiasts care for their horses. Oftentimes, however, horses aren’t the only animals our customers own. That’s why DC Structures also designs animal barns with features for all kinds of livestock and pets—such as donkey pens and dog kennels.
Whether you care for donkeys, goats, llamas or anything in between, DC Structures has options to fit your lifestyle. From custom stalls and wash bays to innovative approaches to design that match your animal’s needs, there are thousands of solutions and possibilities.
Our most frequent non-equine animal request is for dog kennels, which makes perfect sense considering dog is man’s best friend. Just like horse lovers care for their riding companions, dog lovers care deeply for their canines. Dog owners want the very best for their pets, and DC has the experience and ability to provide it.
For example, this Powell barn kit has plenty of space and customizable options to accommodate the kinds of animals you care for. The bottom level of the barn is designed as an open workspace, and it can be modified to become a kennel barn or to include stalls for donkeys and goats. Exterior additions can also provide your animals with a place to roam outside. With an additional raised center aisle you’ll also have plenty of personal space right near your animals.
The best part about designing a custom animal barn with DC Structures is knowing that you’re getting top-of-the-line quality for both you and your animals. Our building kits are not only comfortable and efficient, they are also assembled with the finest craftsmanship, guaranteeing its longevity.
We understand that your pets and animals are a part of your family, and deserve the same level of comfort that you expect. No matter what your barn is for—Dogs, cats, goats, donkey, llamas or any other kind of animal—DC Structures can provide exactly what you need. Request our digital catalog and start planning the perfect space for you and your animals toll share.