

Barn-Style Multi-Use Structure in Walterhill, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Neighborhood
Walterhill
City
Murfreesboro
State
Tennessee
Zip Code
37129
Service
Architectural Design
Property Type
Residential
Year
2025
Designed for a large rural site, this barn-inspired multi-use structure combines a dwelling unit, an enclosed garage, and a covered carport within a simple and cost-efficient architectural form. Throughout the design process, the proposal evolved through close collaboration with the client and multiple cost-engineering studies, ensuring that the building remained both economical and adaptable while preserving its clear barn-inspired architectural language.
The garage was intentionally oversized to accommodate not only vehicle parking but also long-term storage needs. Complementing the enclosed garage, a generously sized covered carport was designed to provide sheltered parking for vehicles of various sizes, protecting them from direct sun exposure and rain. To better support outdoor activities across the property, a powder room with direct exterior access was incorporated, allowing convenient use without entering the dwelling.
The dwelling unit was designed with future flexibility in mind. Although the program did not require a fully equipped kitchen, the plumbing infrastructure was strategically planned according to a future kitchen layout. A utility sink was proposed as a temporary solution, providing the minimum functionality required today while allowing a seamless transition to a full kitchen through future cabinetry installation. A full bathroom and dedicated laundry area were also integrated to support independent residential use.
The elongated rectangular footprint of the dwelling was softened by introducing a wraparound porch along one side of the building. Beyond enriching the architectural composition, the porch establishes a transitional living space between indoors and outdoors while expanding opportunities for outdoor use. An exterior sink was incorporated to support gardening, entertaining, and other outdoor activities, reinforcing the building's connection to the surrounding landscape.
One of the project's primary challenges was balancing the design vision with cost-engineering requirements. Through several design iterations, the proposal was refined to achieve the most efficient solution while preserving its architectural character. Although some initial ideas were eliminated during the process, the final design intentionally accommodates future interior expansion and changing programmatic needs without compromising the overall concept.
Another important challenge was integrating multiple structural systems within a single building. A pole-barn structural system was adopted for the garage, conventional wood stud framing was used for the dwelling unit, and the open carport was designed using a post-and-beam system with roof trusses. This hybrid structural approach responds to the functional requirements of each space while maintaining a cohesive and unified architectural expression.


















