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A perspective rendering of a barn-inspired multi-use building featuring a metal gable roof, an enclosed two-bay garage, a covered carport, and an attached residential unit with a wraparound porch. Set within a large rural landscape, the design combines pole-barn construction and residential architecture, with sheltered outdoor living areas and ample space for vehicles and storage.

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.

Tags:

Concrete, Steel, Timber, CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), Accessory Dwelling Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the goal of this project?

The primary goal of the project was to design an affordable, barn-style structure that integrates a dwelling unit, enclosed garage, and covered carport within a cohesive architectural form.

How did you approach the design process?

The design process was driven by an iterative dialogue between the client's evolving needs and cost-engineering strategies. While refining the project, preserving the building's simple barn-inspired architectural language remained a key priority. Rather than designing solely for today's requirements, the proposal embraces long-term flexibility, creating a framework that can accommodate future interior expansions and changing programmatic needs while maintaining a coherent architectural identity.

What challenges did you face?

The greatest challenge throughout the project 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 the project's architectural character. Although some initial ideas were eliminated during the process, the final design was intentionally developed to support future adaptability, allowing additional interior functions and expansions without compromising the overall concept.

Another key challenge was integrating multiple structural systems within a single building. A pole-barn structural system was utilized for the garage, conventional wood stud framing was adopted for the dwelling unit, and the open carport was designed using a post-and-beam system with roof trusses. This hybrid approach responded to the functional requirements of each space while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression.

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