HENRY BARN

ACADEMIA, PA
A barn is proposed as an addition to a grouping of rustic buildings on 40 acres of western Pennsylvania farmland. The barn will be used for storage on the lower level, and as a sleeping/work loft on the upper level. Since movement is not important at the ground level, posts are an acceptable means of support. At the loft level, a clear 24-ft roof spans a freer use of space. The profile of the roof is similar to some Pennsylvania barns in its peaked, vaulted ceilings. This style allows a larger span with less internal building. The loft floor joists accommodate the lateral thrusts from this roof, while the barn's side walls and an interior row of columns provide vertical support. Entry is through the nonstructural end walls. The method of construction is a combination of masonry concepts and plywood stress skin techniques. Each roof half-vault is made up of 2-ft-by-8-ft plywood "bricks," joined as running bond masonry. The halves are joined at the peak ridge, and they are given a special triangulated brace at the point of attachment to the loft floor. This brace provides a structural, aesthetic, and practical finish to the roof.