THE AGRITECT

So, we convinced you to keep your barn! Now, what are you going to use it for? Here are some ideas to give your old barn a new life. We hope these suggestions ignite your creativity for repurposing your old barn into something unique! Barn Restoration for Agriculture Uses: There is nothing wrong with reusing […]

Discover the essential components of a barn frame in our insightful blog. Explore beams, braces, and rafters. Step away with a deeper understanding of barn construction and the most common barn frame styles found in Ontario. BARN FRAME COMPONENTS Click play on the video and see a walk through the barn components in a 3-D […]

“How much will my barn conversion cost?” is the most common question we get, and the answer is it depends! In this blog, we explain the SIX factors that will impact your barn conversation budget. For those who like videos over blogs, we highly recommend you check out our video on barn conversion myths to […]

Second dwellings are being encouraged by the Provincial government on all properties in Ontario to help with the housing crisis. This means farm properties, too, but with some caveats. The provincial planning act tries to help by encouraging all municipalities to allow second dwellings on all their property zones and types with fewer restrictions. In […]

Do you live in a barn? Or do you want to? It’s really important to realize that designing a barn conversion to a house (or other structures), is not at all the same as starting with a blank paper for a custom home. You have this amazing timber frame you need to work around to […]

This is a question I get asked a lot. Of course I do permit drawings; its a necessary part of the design/building process, but as an architect I can do so much more for your project! A lot of decisions need to be made before arriving at a set of permit drawings, even if you […]

“Ontario’s 19th century vernacular [Vernacular architecture is a category of architecture based on local needs and construction materials, and reflecting local traditions] is beyond recovery, however much it is craved. Awareness cannot be un-invented in an informed, interactive society.” -Michael J. Troughton. Vernacular Architecture in Ontario; Industrial Vernacular  

The Bank Barn is not decorated but “pleasantly designed”. – Donald Berg, Author. American country Building Design

“good taste can elevate the moral fiber of the nation” -James S. Ackerman, Architect. Villa:Form and Ideology of Country Houses

“Farming keeps man honest, vigorous, and independent” -James S. Ackerman, Architect. Vila:Form & Ideology of Country Houses