The Whole Systems Design barn

I love this timber frame barn. Spending time in this building was a big highlight for me during the recent Permaculture Design Course I just attended in Vermont. Most of the “classroom” activity happened in this barn, as well as meals, playing ping pong, and general hanging out. While it’s not so much an agricultural barn (at least not currently), it’s a barn nevertheless, and I think it’s a great example of a well-designed multi-purpose space.

North side of the building with an access ramp to the 2nd level

The Whole Systems Design Barn

This is a big barn, 72 feet long and probably 36 wide (I never did measure the width). It’s a kind of bank barn, with a ramp on the north side that gives ground access to the second level. The first level is framed with massive steel I-beams, concrete pillars, and a full concrete wall on the west. Ok, concrete and steel are not really my “thing”, but the rest of the building is beautifully timber framed and sided with local pine. The roof is standing seam metal.

The building is a full three stories. It is big. (Did I say that already?) The first thought I had when I saw the building (other than “wow”) was — oh my god, I’m glad I wasn’t the person on scaffolding installing the windows on the upper level.

Inside the barn, on the second level

Much of the action during the PDC was on the second level. We didn’t really use the third level at all during the course. Late night ping pong occupied the lower level. A tractor was stored on the other half of the ground level. The space truly felt good. Spacious, airy, well-built, invigorating, functional. The view out over the fields to the east was fantastic, especially in the early morning when the sun was burning off the fog, slowly revealing the ridge in the distance.

A view to the east, overlooking the fields with swales and ponds

Spending time in this building definitely gave me inspiration for what kind of infrastructure might be valuable for our needs in the future. Time will tell, but having a big ol’ multi-function barn is a major asset (especially for large events), to say the least!

Down on the first level, with ping pong tables set up for late night fun and a tractor in the background

Swinging on the rings during a short break during the course

Stairway leading up to the 3rd storey

So many lovely timber frame details to admire!

Up high on the third level