Home Design Ideas For Modern Living

Home Architecture

Gambrel Barn House Designed for Flexible Living and Work

By Stefan Gheorghe
Stefan Gheorghe on Homedit
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Stefan Gheorghe is the founder and CEO of Homedit.com. In 2008, he launched the platform out of his passion for interior design and home decoration.
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A 10,000-square-foot custom barn in Manson, Washington, serves as both a functional agricultural building and a residential retreat. Designed by SkB Architects based on the client’s initial sketches, the structure includes ground-level storage for orchard equipment, a commercial kitchen, and a below-grade wine cellar. The second floor contains guest rooms and open living spaces.

The view from the great room is unparalleled.
The view from the great room is unparalleled.

The architecture maintains a barn aesthetic with a gambrel roof modified by dormers and gull wings to reduce mass and introduce light. Large sliding doors on both sides provide cross-ventilation and frame views of the Cascade Mountains. Exterior wood is treated with a natural finish designed to age with exposure, helping the building visually integrate with its orchard surroundings.

The large central area has room for cars and orchard equipment.
The large central area has room for cars and orchard equipment.
Large sliding bard doors in a light color are the focal point of the front.
Large sliding bard doors in a light color are the focal point of the front.

Interior features include exposed wooden trusses, a steel staircase with wooden risers, and reclaimed materials such as sinker cedar and apple crate panels. The layout supports flexible use, with large open spaces for entertaining or equipment storage, and private areas above for residential use.

A durable, easy care kitchen floor is essential in this kind of space.
A durable, easy care kitchen floor is essential in this kind of space.
Neutral colored wood cabinets help tone down the stainless steel.
Neutral colored wood cabinets help tone down the stainless steel.
A high ceiling and expose trusses enhance the open feeling of the great room.
A high ceiling and expose trusses enhance the open feeling of the great room.
The game table features the orchard logo.
The game table features the orchard logo.
Gate style railings maintain the barn-like atmosphere.
Gate style railings maintain the barn-like atmosphere.
Vintage apple crates are a unique and very fitting feature wall.
Vintage apple crates are a unique and very fitting feature wall.
The entertaining space is also a unique and stylish place for the vintage cars.
The entertaining space is also a unique and stylish place for the vintage cars.
Reclaimed materials and a rustic but luxurious style distinguish this wine cellar.
Reclaimed materials and a rustic but luxurious style distinguish this wine cellar.
Different shades of natural wood work together to create an organic feel.
Different shades of natural wood work together to create an organic feel.
Sliding barn doors help maintain design continuity in the home.
Sliding barn doors help maintain design continuity in the home.
The pale floor enhances the light-filled space and increases the brightness.
The pale floor enhances the light-filled space and increases the brightness.