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A Modern "Barn"

Their solution is a simple, strictly modular steel structure with concrete floors and corrugated sheet metal on the exterior walls and roof. The extensively used galvanized steel is durable, economical, and virtually maintenance free. The roof insulation is sandwiched in galvanized metal panels, exposing the structure as it would be in a normally uninsulated barn.

The building is basilican in plan with service spaces and exhibit spaces on either side of a central circulation spine. This configuration recalls the form of traditional livestock barns with a center walkway and animal stalls to each side. The raised roof along the ridge line, traditionally designed to induce natural ventilation through the structure, provides in this case daylight along the entire length of the building.

At eye level along the spine wall that separates the exhibit hall from the corridor are a series of window-like pivoting panels that provide additional display surfaces. Exhibitors can attach temporary, lightweight displays to these using strip magnets. When in their open position, the panels also provide visual access through the building, with views to the farmland beyond.

Departing from the strictly symmetrical, traditional barn shape, a corner is cut out for a covered entrance, and the service block is set in from the frame to create a covered arcade for exterior access to the washrooms.

The Delight is in the Detail

But walk inside, and it's the imaginative detailing of the interior finish that makes one forget the economy of materials and form. The lobby, gallery, and exhibition room walls are designed as a system of galvanized steel T-frames infilled with 1 by 4-inch (25 by 100-millimeter) slightly separated cedar slats.

For the lower walls, these slats are evenly spaced and carefully designed so that display mounting-clips can be attached anywhere. This gives the curator flexibility in mounting exhibits and was less expensive to build than ready-made display racks would have been to purchase. The simple detail also eliminates the redundancy of a finished wall under a separate display system.

On the higher portion of the spine wall, the slats are spaced irregularly, imitating the look of an aging, weathered barn that has begun to lose some boards. Hoepf and his design team gave an indication in the design drawings of the look they wanted but left it mainly to the builders to create the desired sense of randomness.   >>>

The Kline Creek Farm Visitors Center by Teng & Associates, Inc. Photo: Barbara Karant View of reception desk from lobby. The steel structure is exposed throughout. Photo: Barbara Karant One corner has been cut out to create a covered entrance. Photo: Barbara Karant Galvanized sheet metal was chosen for the exterior walls and roof because of its economy and durability. Photo: Barbara Karant Along the spine wall, cedar slats form both a finish material and a display system. Above, they are spaced to resemble a deteriorating barn. Photo: Barbara Karant Floor plan. Image: Teng & Associates, Inc. Longitudinal section through the gallery, looking south. Image: Teng & Associates, Inc. The modern structure captures the character of isolation and self-sufficiency of 19th century Midwestern farm life. Image: Teng & Associates, Inc.   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.