PatchWorked

PatchWorked


Location

Nixa, MO

Scope

400 sf

In response to new realities of remote working, along with a bout of cabin fever brought on by COVID quarantines, these soon-to-be empty nesters desired a space on their inherited farmstead that would accommodate a detached garage and a small office, providing a distinct separation between work and home.

Although the old dairy barn adjacent to their house had sentimental value, it just wasn’t practical for conversion to this new program, but its location made a lot of sense. Thus, a new garage and office was conceived to replace the dairy barn with a design that taps into the humble utilitarian architecture of the farm, but offers a few surprises.

The new building is made of simple wood frame construction with a scissor truss roof forming an asymmetrical gable to provide a two-sided covered porch. The project’s orientation mimics the former dairy barn adjacent to a heritage hay barn and on axis with a former Model T shed. Entry to the office is arranged on axis with existing steps from the back deck of the house. Cladding is galvanized corrugated metal and vertical wood siding painted red, consistent with the existing barns’ color palette. A steel window salvaged from the old dairy barn is mounted at the south end of the east porch framing a southern view of the family farm and maintaining the memory of the dairy barn. A serene view of the family farm from the covered deck provides a respite from the demands of remote work.

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