SHeep Barn

18th Century style SHEEP BARN

A sheep barn was proposed for an estate in Ottsville in Upper Bucks County. The property has a number of 18th century stone homes and barns and the client wanted a sheep barn that compliment the surroundings and is in keeping with the style and character of the setting. An eighteenth century-style small barn, with a cantilevered-overhang--a detail found in early German and Swiss barns were designed for the site.

Care was taken with the placement and look of the new structure so it would look as if it had always been part of the surroundings. A detailed site survey of the area was done to ensure it fit the construction style of the surrounding buildings. A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was created to assist with the siting of the building and the final grade elevations. The owner took the time over the years to stockpile local red stone to match the surrounding buildings and contacted local artisans who work in the style of local Bucks county vernacular architecture. Local craftsmen who are familiar with the techniques executed the work with care.

The masonry is Bucks county shale and river stone with sandstone thresholds. The stone pointing is a local sand mix using hydrated lime in place of Portland cement with a pebbledash interior finish. Cement wall caps were done with a finish as to not appear new, but to look weathered in appearance. The white oak timbers, cypress siding and poplar flooring were all locally sawn and the door hardware was hand hammered or recycled antique hardware. Other materials used include Vermont slate roof, copper gutters and downspouts and locust from the site for the fencing.

Unique features include the design providing accommodations for either sheep or two horse stalls. Antique door bucks and window frames were constructed in the stonework. Pent roofs were placed at both entrances. Trap doors were places in the in the 2nd floor for hay feeding over two feeders.

Although traditional materials and techniques were used, this is still a structure of the 21st century. It is fully electrified with water service and wired with CAT5 cabling. Automatic livestock waterers are provided for two pastures, as well as inside the barn and the barnyard. There are water hydrants installed for both pastures and barn. In the tack room, space is provided for feed bins as well as electric fencing equipment. Communication is covered in the tack room with a phone. Upstairs you will find an Internet connection for a get away working spot amongst the hay, with a beautiful view of the Tinicum creek.



Photos taken by Thomas Solon, AIA