In the 1960s, a small-scale farmer built a large barn to accommodate equipment, road-building machinery, and a repair shop. This large structure accommodates a beam crane and other technical equipment for and cattle ranching. The roof design, while in some way pragmatic, is an awkward marriage of a gambrel and a single slope, reflecting the mixed internal requirements of farming and a place to live.
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Star Splitter Farm Shed: Loft and Barn Renovation
Residential Interior (Built)
Firm
Studio Joseph
Architect/Designer
Wendy Joseph
Design Team
Wendy Evans Joseph, Partner-in-charge
Location
56 Dean Road, Ghent, NY 12075
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Photography Credits: Peter Aaron Other Credits: All drawings by Studio JosephSA
Pre-renovation condition
Interior: As the farmer had no architectural experience, the interior was idiosyncratic and dominated by an odd mix of salvaged materials from local barns. Most of the structural framing was purely decorative; however, the older, wide floorboards could be retained and provide a sense of local history. The stairs were not in compliance with the building code and were replaced. The exterior shell was generally intact, though the proliferation of randomly sized windows prevented use of the walls. The emphasis was on preservation and ecological best practices.
Scope of work and renovation
Interior: The gambrel section holds an office and butchering shop, and a meat aging area on ground level and a 2-level loft apartment above. The larger open area in the shed houses equipment, vehicles, a workshop, and storage.
To conserve resources and achieve the most sustainable design, the goal was to reuse as much of the existing fabric as possible. The kitchen cabinetry was refurbished and painted, the floors were refinished, existing plumbing locations were utilized, and no new door or window openings were created. A black metal standing-seam roof replaces one that had failed. The loft renovation includes a new straight-run stair, bathroom fixtures, and new mechanical systems. A palette of matte-black cabinetry and natural wood is used throughout.
Exterior: The addition of a large dormer creates a sculptural form that enlivens the reading of the shed in the landscape. While providing ventilation and helping with water runoff, the main effect is to break the form’s lines, creating a play of light and shadow as seen from near and far. This change in profile, along with the selective removal of windows, reduces opportunities for leaks or rot, making the shed more robust over time. The entry porch was rebuilt and configured with new metal railings and local hardwood.
Results The shed has become a central part of farm life. It enhances family living and addresses a wide range of land and cattle requirements. Enclosure upgrades, combined with energy-efficient appliances and more flexible mechanical systems, have significantly reduced operating costs. However, perhaps most exciting has been the change in the way the shed signals a rebirth of this farm. Star Splitter Farm breaks from traditional methods toward more humane ranching and ecological, forward-thinking best practices. As this land has been farmed continuously since the early 1800s, this project ensures an agricultural way of life in this region.