WHIDBEY ISLAND BARN RENOVATION | SHED Architecture & Design

Project involved the conversion of a barn into living space supporting a variety of activities and guests. The program called for a workroom/kitchen, an apartment, a bunkroom, and bathrooms to be arranged within the existing building envelope. SHED Architecture & Design both designed and built the project, often living on site for extended periods of time. The familiarity with the site, building and client resulted in substantive refinements to the permitted plans that capitalized on unexpected potential as well as the execution of numerous details responsive to existing conditions.

Working within the existing envelope of the barn, the design solution attempted to imbue each space with its own character through the use of natural light and its orientation to the landscape. The primary design interventions were the creation of a utility pass-thru separating the bunkroom from the main work space, and the carved entry connecting the apartment to the workroom.

Secondary design interventions include the addition of skylights, dormers and bay windows that developed the relationship of interior spaces to the pastoral landscape. Each space was developed around a minimal palette of materials and color, with extensive re use of existing barn materials. Some of these materials included the re-use of the original barn siding for interior paneling, re-milling of salvaged floor joists for stair material, trim and countertops. In a very real way, the barn was turned outside in and then wrapped in a new cedar board and batten skin that would weather and show its age well. Emphasis was placed on durability and directness of design solutions with the aim of creating practical and unique results.