- Project: The Barn
- Architect: CLB Architects
- Location: United States, Wilson, Wyoming
- Year: 2016
- Area: 224 m2
- Photography: Audrey Hall Photography
A Contemporary Take on a Classic Barn Form
The Barn by CLB Architects is a newly completed project in Wilson, Wyoming, that reinterprets the traditional gambrel-roof barn as a modern, multi-use retreat. Situated on a 15-acre site with panoramic views of the Teton Range, the structure complements an existing log residence on the property, designed by CLB for the same clients more than two decades earlier.
Commissioned to create a stand-alone building that could serve as a guesthouse, fitness area, and workshop garage, the architects worked closely with the owners to blend tradition with innovation.
Program and Layout
The design organizes the 2,416-square-foot residence into two primary levels:
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The lower level accommodates a spacious workshop and garage where the client restores vintage motorcycles, cars, and bicycles.
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The upper level houses a comfortable guest suite, a workout room, and a small kitchen for independent use.
By positioning the structure to the northeast of the main residence, the Barn captures expansive mountain views while preserving the vistas from the original home.
Materials and Structure
To reflect the region’s rustic vernacular, the architects used reclaimed barnwood in gray and brown tones, paired with exposed timber and steel trusses on a strict 4-foot module. This rhythm gives the Barn both structural clarity and visual harmony.
While the overall form respects the gambrel-roof tradition, CLB introduced a surprising modern gesture: a glass curtain wall in the fitness room. This feature breaks the solidity of the barn typology, opening the interior to sweeping north-facing views of the Teton Range.
Interiors: Rustic Meets Contemporary
Inside, the Barn embraces a contemporary aesthetic that balances warmth and functionality. Clean-lined finishes complement the robust timber structure, while natural light animates the interiors, particularly in the guest suite and workout space. The result is a retreat that feels both authentic to its Western context and aligned with modern living standards.
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
By reinterpreting a classic barn silhouette with reclaimed materials, modern glazing, and purposeful programming, Carney Logan Burke Architects created more than just an outbuilding. The Barn is a versatile retreat that reflects the client’s lifestyle — a place to welcome guests, maintain health and fitness, and pursue a passion for restoring vintage vehicles — all while celebrating the spectacular Wyoming landscape.
