ARCHITECT: Weiss Architecture and Urbanism Limited, Kevin Weiss

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Enrique Tabak

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Lang Construction, Riley Halligan

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Whittaker

In rural southeastern Ontario, where the landscape is adorned with forests and lakes, stands the Art Barn, an embodiment of contemporary architecture’s synergy with nature. Designed for an artist and her mother, this project is a harmonious blend of Western Red Cedar’s timeless charm and modern design principles, nestled in one picturesque setting.

The structure, serving both as an expansive art studio and a family retreat, integrates gracefully with its environment. Lead architect, Kevin Weiss, describes the upper level as “a simple large art studio,” highlighting the project’s dedication to creative space. Below, a suite offers a haven for family visits, blending functionality with warmth.

Innovative Layouts for Creative Spaces

Connecting to an existing garage, the Barn’s design includes a ‘dog-trot’ that elegantly frames the pastoral landscape. Careful planning went into the orientation and design of the building. “The Art Barn is cranked in plan so that a large clerestory window is fully exposed to true north,” Weiss points out, emphasizing the critical role of natural light for artistic endeavors.

The cedar siding, meanwhile, resonates with the local architectural vernacular. “The board and batten cedar cladding is not an uncommon historical cladding system around the rural community,” Weiss states, illustrating how the project pays tribute to traditional methods while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

Artistic Inspiration that Evolves Over Time

As the Art Barn ages, its natural Real Cedar exterior will gracefully blend into the surrounding landscape. “It is unfinished, and as it greys and patinas, the Art Barn looks more and more like it has been on the property always,” the architect muses, showcasing the material’s ability to evolve over time.

Cedar’s organic transformation not only complements the landscape but also reflects the evolving nature of the artistic work within. “As the architect, I love seeing the space messy and heavily used as a place for art making,”says Weiss.

Real Cedar Specifications

GRADE: KD Select Knotty

SIZE: 1×8, 1×2

FASTENING: Stainless steel siding nails

APPLIED FINISH: None