The owners of the “farm-tech” prefab Mendota Heights barnHouse live in their grandson’s backyard—just past his trampoline. The neighboring location allows them, as parents and grandparents, to be nearby family while allowing independence and privacy.
This prefab SIPs (structurally insulated panels) barnHouse was delivered as a “kit” of parts. SIPs worked for the owner’s request for high-energy and production efficiencies, and were perfectly suited for creating the asymmetrical roofline with its variable peaks—without a ridge beam. The home was assembled by a builder with some finish help from the owner, a skilled woodworker and furniture maker. Chinese elm trees cleared from the site became the interior trim; black walnut wood from their previous home was integrated as furniture and interior details.
The site is densely wooded and sloped heavily from the street initially raising concerns about grading. To mitigate these complexities, the house was situated at an elevation that buffers sound yet provides good views.
Read more: Minneapolis StarTribune