Gordon Barn

"You know, hope is a mistake. If you can't fix what's broken, you'll go insane" Mad Max

This may be my favorite project. It was built on the land where I spent most of my childhood. The project was conceived shortly after I completed graduate school. Close friends and family members were responsible for helping imagine, craft, and construct this barn. Much of the material came from dying red oak trees which were felled onsite and milled off site. It is now home to several goats, a couple dozen chickens, several chainsaws, and other implements of these modern times. This project would not have been possible without the support, patience, and guidance of Lori Gordon, my mom.

Early on this structure was envisioned as a traditional timber frame. Andy Skoglund, John Steingraeber, and I collaborated to transform a collective concept into a building. Andy designed, detailed, cut, and raised the timber frame. Mike Kaminski and Adam Valesano assisted in the cutting of joinery. A large group gathered onsite and assisted with raising the frame. Andy’s attention to craft resulted in an astute frame design and thoughtful details. Jim Powell, my cousin, a master craftsman and designer helped finish the structure. Jim carefully handbuilt the window frames, doors, stairway, and other elements of this assemblage. Jim’s attention to detail is present throughout. Matt Thomas, of MBJ, provided structural calculations and details for the entitlement hurdles. Matt is an excellent structural engineer to confabulate with.

The frame raising was a beautiful fall day. Catastrophe was narrowly averted. Good food, music, and friends were present. The frame was up in under ten hours. Dogs were happy.