Reclaimed Barn

Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture Design - Small Firms / Small Projects

Architect // Murdough Design, LLC

GC // Harper Elm & Wood and Clay

Structural Engineer // Annette Dey Engineering

Landscape // Miracle Farms

Description

The Reclaimed Barn is a historic 19th century agricultural barn converted by Murdough Design Architects into a modern recreational retreat. The Barn is used for musical practice and performances, community meetings, family time, shooting hoops, relaxing by the fire, or reading, working at the hay loft. A dialogue is set up between the pre-existing barn and its modern counterpart. The original structure and farmland history of the barn is respected, while a light modern touch is added to the project. Half of the original timber frame was salvaged, while the rest was reclaimed from other barns, re-joined, and rebuilt from the ground up. Modern steel elements such as the staircase and guardrails respect and navigate around the wooden timber frame. The steel adds a new tectonic layer and expresses the new use-allowing for a clear understanding of where the old structure ends and where the “modern touch” begins.

Jury Comments

The jury was inspired by the new purpose given to the obsolete barn on the family property, justifying its adaptive reuse. The barn's shell and timber frame were authentically restored without embellishment. The team strategically removed and introduced elements to support the new program and create a fresh, modern aesthetic. A large section of wall was replaced with glass to connect to the land, and a free-standing steel stair provides access to the lofts. Features like a basketball hoop and retractable movie screen make the space versatile, evolving with the family’s interests.

The reuse of the timber frame, reclaimed siding, SIP panel skin, off-grid PV array, and extremely light touch on the land all clearly align with the goals set by the NH Framework for Design Excellence. 

Photo credit: Chuck Choi