When homeowners Mike & Carrie bought their farmhouse in the Finger Lakes region of New York 23+ years ago, there were foundational remnants of the original turn of the century barn on the property, which they always dreamed of one day rebuilding. More recently the couple, who now have four adult children, realized they might actually need a barn for additional storage and a place to socialize near their backyard pool area. But it took a family wedding to really push the project from dream to reality.
While plans for the barn meets pool house were already underway before their daughter got engaged, it was her request to get married at home that sped the project to completion just in time to serve as a family wedding venue.
The construction of their new traditional bank style barn was a collaborative effort with the barns classically styled timber frame provided by New Energy Works combined with the talents of partners Hanlon Architects and Russell Builders, with Farmed Board cladding and Hickory flooring from our sister company Pioneer Millworks.
“We knew Pioneer Millworks from many years ago when we used them for some of their flooring in our home, so we were familiar with the team and relationship between Pioneer Millworks and New Energy Works,” Mike told us. “When we were designing our barn with the help of New Energy Works, some of the reference photos we were looking at had exterior siding from Pioneer Millworks that had a look we really liked. The Farmed Board siding really had the right weathered feel we were going for, so that is why we ended up using it, because we knew the company and their products, which made the decision a lot easier for us.”
“It was a fun project beginning to end. It never felt difficult or tricky. All the decisions with New Energy Works were easy, and they were made easier because everyone we worked with had the same vision that we had for the barn, so they were able to recommend things like the siding and flooring because they knew exactly the look we were going for,” Carrie added. “That made it really fun, because it removed all the stress.”
“We are very happy with our team of Hanlon Architects, Russel Builders, New Energy Works, and Pioneer Millworks. This barn is something that brings our family, and hopefully future families, lots of joy, that’s how we think of it. And we love the fact that this barn is standing in the space where an old barn used to be. When we bought this turn of the century farmhouse property 20+ years ago there was an old crumbling barn foundation complete with old cow stalls,” Carrie surmised. “You could clearly see where there was once a functional barn with a life and history here, and I think it is really cool that we have put a new structure there right in the same footprint and brought that barn back to the farm. “
Project Credits:
Architect: Hanlon Architects
Builder: Russell Builders
Engineer: Stahly Engineering & Associates
Sustainable Siding & Flooring: Pioneer Millworks
Photos: Tim Wilkes Photography
See more:
Private Residence—Upstate, New York | Pioneermillworks
The Wedding Barn | New Energy Works
