first phase :: site prep + framing

After all plans were final and permits were pulled, the site prep began. Add in several tons of dirt plus many hours of skillful grading with the dozer and we were ready to set the poles for the barn portion of the structure. A few days later, the plumbers had done their rough-in; then during the last couple of days in March, the cement slab was poured. Fast forward through several weeks of framing and we have a "dried in" barnhouse!

We were very lucky to have worked with some great subs. Our cement foundation turned out wonderfully. We're planning on staining the concrete floors, so it was important to get the slab just right -- and our concrete man and his crew did an awesome job.

Our framers were meticulous in their portion of the job and, though we did our best to minimize any mid-stream changes, were very patient and accommodating when they did arise.

initial concept

This project started in late 2012 with an idea of creating a super functional structure that combined a basic living space with a classic barn to house heavy equipment and all things motorized. My client (a.k.a my soon-to-be fiance) was inspired by a friend's structure which was essentially a barn with a small, one bedroom apartment. They had lived in this apartment for a year or two while they built their permanent home. It now serves as overflow accommodations for guests, work and storage space and basically "man-cave" for watching games and hanging out. It is a very cool barn and after seeing it, my imagination went wild.

Our needs required that we design a structure with more living space to accommodate more of a five+ year living plan. I started with sketches of a classic barn structure and a 1,400 square foot, three bedroom apartment with a great room. Then, we tweaked the plan...added a home office...expanded the living space...and the pantry/laundry room...and the closets........you can probably see where this is going! And, just like one of those magic animal growing capsules, we had designed a 52' by 68' barn with 2,400 of heated and cooled living space. It now has all of the living space we (may ever) need and covered equipment/workshop bays that are nearly 25' deep.

First Floor Living :: Rough Sketch

Second Floor Living :: Rough Sketch

Front Elevation :: Rough Sketch

East Elevation :: Rough Sketch

Though there were several renditions, these are copies of my original hand-drawn sketches. And below, the final CAD drawings produced by my friends at F&B Builders, Inc.

Floor Plan :: Final Drawings

Front & Rear Elevations :: Final Drawings

East & West Elevations :: Final Drawings

Inspired :: Stormy Summer Afternoon

August in Florida means regular afternoon storms, which (if you're lucky) means a lazy couple of hours losing yourself in a novel or drifting off for a nap. These times when the skies dim and we retreat indoors have inspired me to pull together an ultra cozy, moody kind of retreat...

Vero Beach Afternoon Storm - Storm Visuals by Jeff Gammons

When the storms roll in, the typically pale blue sky transforms into a palette of darker, smokier blues with striations of grays and highlights of silvery whites. The waters reflect steel gray and the white sands on the shoreline deepen. With this bedroom, I'd start with this beautiful, grayed down sea blue wall color and paint the ceiling a lighter shade of the same color, creating a shadowy atmosphere.

This dreamy bed in dark gray upholstery evokes a cocoon-like feeling.

Clarke Bed in Graphite Upholstery - Jayson Home :: $1,899

Add on layers of luxury with percale sheets, a linen duvet, and cashmere linen throw. All are lightweight and crisp so you can still enjoy the warm summer breeze.

Eileen Fisher Washed Linen Duvet & Shams in Muslin - Garnet Hill :: $98-$298

Simply Celeste Italian Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets in White - Sferra :: $150-$265

Cashmere Linen Throw in Cream - Jayson Home :: $120

 This soft braided rug is comfortable for bare feet.

Braided Wool Rug in Cloudy White - Shades of Light :: $3,698

And for the perfect place to read or even better, for lounging together, this chaise lounge is super cozy with down-wrapped cushions and washed linen upholstery.

Double Chaise Lounge - Lee Industries :: Call for Pricing

I love a large table pedestal table in place of a regular night stand. One this size allows for plenty of room for this fabulous mercury glass lamp and collection of novels.

Reclaimed Wood 48" Pedestal Table in Urban Graphite Finish - Woodland Creek Furniture :: $1,495

Mercury Glass Lamp with Linen Shade - Jayson Home :: $695