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Case study – Art Barn

Art Barn is a home designed for displaying various forms of mixed media contemporary art and for spirited philanthropic gatherings. Sited at the edge of a steeply-sloped mountainside, the home is positioned so that the entry façade addresses a pastoral ranch meadow and the rear façade frames panoramic views of Aspen below.

 

 

The design was predicated upon the vision of allowing the ranch meadow and rural vernacular to feather their way onto the site. The simplicity of the singular gable form, along with the minimalist detailing of the “shou-sugi-ban” wood siding and fenestration pattern, begins to suggest a clarity and rigor, which is carried through inside.

 

 

A consistent interior palette features natural materials, meticulously detailed with special attention to the precision of alignments. The great room is designed for maximum flexibility with furniture easily removed for large dinner parties, musicals, and other philanthropic events. Two gallery spaces, one on each level, are designed to display a vast range of video art arrangements based on how an artist conceives a piece should be experienced. In addition, the auto court doubles as a pre-function space, where guests can enter through large, fully pocketing windows.

 

 

 

 

 

Art Barn’s crescendo is its tearoom. Designed as a modern interpretation of an authentic Japanese tearoom, and to accommodate traditional tea ceremonies, the space is located behind hidden doors at the lower level video art gallery. It is accessed via two entrances, one for the tea master and one for guests. An indoor/outdoor connection with the garden beyond is experienced through a large, corner sliding glass door.