the red barn by roger ferris + partners reinterprets traditional new england architecture

on a site in coastal connecticut, the red barn is just one of three structures designed by roger ferris + partners. the latest intervention provides a stark contrast to the traditionalism of the estate as the building houses its functions in minimalist, graphic efficiency, offering a reinterpretation of a common new england typology.

 

swisspearl covers approximately 9,150 ft2 of the exterior wall, roof and ceiling, emphasizing the graphic aesthetic of the building

all image courtesy of roger ferris + partners

the red barn houses space for an artist on the first floor (a studio and workshop) as well as modern living accommodation on the upper level (a bedroom, bathroom, living and dining areas). the front door of the building features a wall of windows that frames picturesque views of the li sound. programmatic flexibility is a major component of the design, as the first floor is highly reconfigurable. a continuous rainscreen encloses the entire profile of the dwelling and seamlessly blends a large foldaway door that allows access to the expansive space below.

the simple gabled form recalls traditional buildings

the property includes over 10 acres on the connecticut shoreline of long island sound. as a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic building type historically seen across new england, this barn recalls that period of time when viewed from a distance, while simultaneously being very much of its own time in materials and detailing. particular attention was paid to the development of the rainscreen façade (a swiss composite system), integration into the landscape, and framing views to the water.

the discreet hangar door provides commercial scale access

the gabled form was selected early in the design process as an appropriate building typology for a rural site, while red was specified because it further reinforces the barn imagery. the operable wall is a foldaway overhead door more commonly used for aircraft hangers. it was used here to provide commercial scale access to the first-floor space so that is might be used as a sculpture studio, gallery or for vehicle storage.

the red barn is a pure abstraction of the traditional, new england barn

a red moment in the green orchard

project info:

project name: the red barn

location: connecticut, the US

architect: roger ferris + partners

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom