Crisp Canvas

A current take on a New England Barn: This modern timber frame home is sleek, linear, ecofriendly—and pays homage to the land. Blackened steel bottom chords and embedded metal connectors allow the custom finished Douglas fir trusses to define a high, open, and airy interior canvas by their repeating cadence along the floor plan. The home was inspired by traditional barns, common to the region, but with a modern take in the décor and large glass insets that celebrate the surrounding landscape.

The weekender home sits on 120 acres of wooded terrain and boasts what its architect Ben Albury of Amalgam Studio describes as a “modern vernacular” style, reminiscent of the farmhouses and barns of New England, with a gabled roof, open layout, and strong connection to its site. Not only does the dwelling incorporate local-inspired materials, but it also keeps the wellbeing of the environment in mind.

The home is designed as a type of “passivhaus,” a German term referring to a rigorous set of standards that reduce the home’s ecological footprint. Examples of the home’s energy-efficiency include an airtight membrane, triple glazing, superinsulation, and heat provided by a multi-room, multi-pump system as well as fireplaces and wood stoves. When down, the window shades create an almost poetic effect on the airy space. They also double as hurricane shutters in the event of severe storms while tilting automatically to shed any accumulated snow loads during long winters.

The result is a sophisticated, open, and airy abode that feels almost like it arose from its site with the early morning mist and surrounding plush grasses. The 100-foot-long main house structure is made up of 14 repetitive “bent” frames, spaced at 8-foot centers. These 22-foot-wide, 21-foot-high charred Douglas Fir frameworks were raised one-by-one and bolted upright into place within five hours.

“One of our favorite parts of this project was working with Amalgam Studio and Black Oak Builders to get the right finish for the timber frame,” says Eric Fraser, Timber Frame Division Manager of New Energy Works. “The process involved multiple steps, including the charring, and it really allows the Douglas fir to take on a new look from what we’re used to seeing in traditional timber frames.”

On one hand, it’s a very simple frame which fits the style the team was looking for. On the other, it’s highly sophisticated with its fit and finish—the metal work, careful consideration of line and intent, the blending of materials. In the end it’s a great example of taking timber framing beyond the traditional lodge-look and highlighting its strengths in modern design: the ability to create open spaces, a contrast of natural materials through finish, and weight in design.

"After collaborating with New Energy on several projects in recent years, I have found them to be one of the most progressive, energetic, and capable building and design companies out there. They have consistently delivered in ways that have exceeded my expectations and are a joy to work with." –Leathem Mehaffey, Builder

Architecture: Amalgam Studio, LLC
Builder: Black Oak Builders
Professional Photography: Chris Kendall Photography
Custom Timber Frame Engineering, Crafting, Raising: New Energy Works