Barndominium
Location
Salisbury,NH
Size
3,000 sf
Located in the rural landscape of Salisbury, New Hampshire, this custom barndominium designed by RWH Architect blends the simplicity of traditional agricultural structures with the performance and comfort of a modern residence. The 50-foot by 60-foot structure was conceived as a hybrid building, combining a spacious garage and workshop with approximately 1,500 sf of thoughtfully designed living space. The resulting architecture reflects a growing demand for flexible barndominium homes in New England that integrate residential comfort with utility, durability, and efficient building systems.
The design features a dramatic 10-pitch roof supported by wood-framed scissor trusses, allowing the interior living spaces to benefit from higher, vaulted gypsum board ceilings that create an open and airy residential environment within the barn-inspired form. The living quarters include two private ensuite bedrooms—a primary suite and a guest suite—each with walk-in closets and dedicated bathrooms. This layout supports both full-time living and guest accommodation while maintaining privacy and comfort within a compact footprint.
A defining architectural feature is the large gable-front garage entry, anchored by a 16-foot wide by 14-foot tall coiling overhead door that accommodates oversized vehicles and equipment. The exterior expression balances rustic and modern materials, pairing vertical wood siding with darker masonry and metal roofing to create a contemporary barn aesthetic that complements the surrounding wooded landscape. A secondary roof overhang supported by structural columns extends along one side of the building, providing sheltered outdoor space and reinforcing the agricultural inspiration of the design.
The project presented several unique design challenges that required careful coordination between architecture and engineering disciplines. Because the structure combines living space, mechanical systems, and secure storage functions, the building envelope needed to achieve exceptional thermal performance while maintaining structural efficiency. RWH addressed this by specifying 2 x 8 laminated strand lumber (LSL) framing filled with high-performance spray foam insulation, creating a tightly sealed envelope well suited to New Hampshire’s cold climate.
Another significant challenge involved integrating specialized safety features into a residential structure without compromising aesthetics or livability. The client requested a reinforced concrete safe room with a dedicated safe door, along with bullet-resistant glazing throughout the building. RWH worked closely with structural and building systems engineers to discreetly integrate these protective elements into the architecture, ensuring they remained visually subtle while providing enhanced security and resilience.
Additional coordination was required to accommodate advanced building systems, including a climate-controlled electrical room designed to house battery banks for energy storage. By carefully planning mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems within the building layout, RWH ensured that all infrastructure could be accommodated efficiently without interrupting the clean spatial organization of the home.
The completed design demonstrates how modern barndominium architecture can deliver durability, security, and energy efficiency while maintaining the warmth and character of a barn-inspired home. Through thoughtful planning, structural coordination, and envelope performance strategies, RWH Architect transformed a concept for a garage-home hybrid into a resilient and highly functional rural residence tailored to the needs of its owners.