A Champagne Barn on a Beer Budget

Two barn design experts give their thoughts on how to add some bubbly to your brew budget.

By Jennifer Corkery

Yearn to build a barn that’s not only functional, but perhaps a little bit fancy, too? Will your budget keep you from having both? Maybe not! A utilitarian barn is a worthy goal, but why not have as much beauty and luxury as you can afford? In fact, some features that enhance the appearance of your barn will also add to its function and can save you money in the long run. Two barn design experts give their thoughts on how to add some bubbly on your brew budget.

The Value of Planning
“A good barn meets the goals of the owner, the demands of the site, and the needs of the horse,” says architect John Blackburn. “You may have to compromise to bring them all into balance and budget, but never sacrifice the needs of the horse. You can design a very low-cost barn that is safe and functional for horses and good looking, too.”

As much as it may seem that the little details inside a barn are what give it luxury, they aren’t the only factor. “Even with a modest barn, a viable site plan and layout by an expert will eliminate many hassles and costs in the long run,” says Blackburn. “It’s those details that permeate a good design and give a sophisticated feel to any horse property.”

Professional planning will keep horses and vehicles from crossing paths for safety, provide a safe place to load and unload horse trailers, keep turnout pens close by so time isn’t wasted moving horses around the property, and keep manure from running into water supplies. It will maximize warmth and protection in the winter, shade and breezes in the summer, give delivery trucks convenient access to storage rooms, and so much more.

According to Tusha, a rough price for a complete but modest barn is about $25 per square foot. “At that rate, a 36-by-40-foot barn would cost about $36,000,” he says, “but that’s not including a lot of features most people want. For a fancier job on a four-stall barn you could expect to spend $60,000 and get some extras like a nice tack room, wash bay and a hay loft.”

Let there be Light (and Air)
“The most expensive way to do lights and ventilation is to go artificial and mechanical,” says Tusha. “The least expensive, and conveniently the best looking and best for the horses, is natural light and ventilation.”

For a sophisticated design that can stay on budget, hire a professional designer who is knowledgeable about horses’ needs. “Pre-fab barns have low-sloped roofs that don’t vent well,” explains Blackburn. “Making a roof steeper adds no cost, but greatly helps the barn’s looks and ventilation.”

To save money on barn lighting, Tusha offers a tip on how to achieve a more stylish, finished look without spending a lot on fancy light fixtures. “You can buy basic fluorescent lights and trim them in the same wood foundelsewhere in your barn. They’ll look less commercial, more like your barn, and even a little fancy.”

Natural ventilation is better for horses because it effectively eliminates odors and harmful gases and better for your pocketbook because artificial heating and cooling systems are expensive to install, maintain and operate. Blackburn advises, “Situate your barn to take advantage of natural prevailing breezes in the summer. Horses can take cold better than heat, so airflow in the hot months is critical to their health.”

Warmer air rises above cooler air, so the design goal is to bring air in low and vent it high, creating a lifting effect and natural airflow throughout the structure. Deep roof overhangs not only look sophisticated, but keep snow, rain and sun away from the building's sides, shading and protecting the horses.

Blend in Beauty
A barn’s location on the property can make a huge difference in project price. Choose a site that’s suitable for construction, without a lot of earth moving--there’s less impact on the land, and of course, it minimizes costs.

Barn materials, such as those used for floors, walls and roofs, must be horse friendly and safe, but can also show some creativity and eye appeal without breaking the bank. “Materials have an effect on light, heat and ventilation, but the choices often come down to what people want,” says Blackburn. “A good design can be kept on budget by choosing materials carefully.”

Much eye appeal, and even a fancy look, can come from making the building’s materials fit the property and natural landscape, a technique that doesn’t have to cost extra. “A barn shouldn’t look superimposed on the landscape,” says Tusha. “What are the area’s natural colors? Is it arid or green? We use those tones, though a bit of contrast can be okay, and it gives a luxurious look.”

Tusha also recommends using your area’s natural fieldstone as accents, even if only on highly visible areas of your barn, such as the foundation and corners. “Accenting with local stone gives such a finished look--it’s not high priced, but it’s a big plus visually. You may even find other landowners willing to give away stone or sell it for next to nothing.”

“Each region has an abundance of certain materials,” Tusha explains, “and we try to stay with that for not only the natural look, but to save money over materials that must be shipped in. For example, in the northern US, oak lumber is abundant, so we’ll use oak board and batten siding. Wood adds such a rich look and can be competitively priced versus metal, or even less expensive. It’s also safer than metal if a horse kicks a wall, and easier to work with from a contractor’s perspective, so you also get some labor savings.”

Build It!
Designing and building a barn involves many pieces of a puzzle, and all those pieces should be laid out so you know what you’re spending. You can have a very functional and good-looking barn without overspending, and planning with an expert will actually save you money on labor, maintenance and your horses’ health.

Tips for a Beautiful Barn