Barn Studio
Orient, N. Y.
studio a/b

Simple rustic structures serve as backdrops for inventive space

© Studio a/b

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

In a serene, historic waterfront village on the North Fork of Long Island, a six-stall barn/garage sits on a property line facing an alley and a shed stands behind the barn. Both were damaged over the years from flooding, poor foundations, and deteriorated siding. While positioned closely, the two structures maintain subtly distinct identities. The architect sought to create a contemporary space in these rustic structures, while preserving their existing character to reflect the environment of the historic village.

Although the structures were raised two feet on new foundations, when viewed from the outside the only visible change is a low deck inserted between the two. The expansive glass doors are recessed, revealing only a hint of the interior changes, as well as providing openings for light and access, and fusing inside and outside spaces.

Under the continuing rhythm of collar beams, the barn was separated into two places in an interlocked formation—storage and barn room. On a raised new wooden floor, the barn room offers the client a family retreat and study. The storage area features a workshop and easy access to kayaks on the new mat foundation.
As part of the dividing partition, translucent glazing transmits sunlight to the barn room from a new skylight over the workshop. At night, the experience is reversed, as the study lights illuminate the barn storage.

While adhering generally to historic characteristics on the main facades and structure, the inserted "semi-enclosed patio" and "light transmitting partition," transformed the whole to a contemporary setting. Links and separations were simultaneously provided, creating tension between identity and fusion in relationships of storage-barn room, barn-shed, inside-outside, new-old, and structures-village.

Formal name of Project:
Barn Studio

Location:
Orient, N. Y.

Gross square footage:
1,100 sq. ft.

Owner:
Phoebe and Bernard Cohen

Architect's firm:
studio a/b
111 Fourth Ave. #2M
New York, NY 10003
tel. 212 677 2887
fax 212 677 7898