Mark W. Todd Architects had the pleasure of being the architect to preserve a Pre-Civil War barn and incorporate it into a home. The homeowners wanted the barn to be a home feature but still wanted a traditional home atmosphere. The barn was built by an Amish community in the 1800s in upstate New York and then moved to Texas to bring it back to life in a completely new way.
Designing this home had different challenges than most homes, as there were certain requirements and desires to preserve the barn’s history. The home needed to complement the exterior of the existing structure. The focal beam in the house has original name carvings, which can be seen in the upper loft. Beams could only move up one foot to uphold the integrity of the initial structure. The thoughtfulness in preserving any wooden piece from the structure was important, and any wood remnant from the barn was used for the exterior truss and furniture pieces.
The relationship to the surroundings were also important. Since this home was a lakefront property, large windows were incorporated, and the home was angled to take in the beautiful views. The Master Bedroom even has three walls of butt-glazed windows to create the feel of being surrounded by the view.
The homeowners wanted a rustic open concept that was set up for entertaining. The great room is open to the kitchen and the sunken bar. Another unique feature is a ladder located at a stairway landing that leads to a sitting room overlooking the great room. There is a secret door in the sitting room that leads to a bunk room, which overlooks the guest room.
Every detail of this home has been thought out, from the wood accents, to the placement of the home, to the preservation of a historical barn.
Project Team
Architect/Designer: Mark W. Todd Architects
Builder: Mike Eddings