February 13, 2023 | Maddie Brisbane
Polhemus Savery Da Silva (PSD) builds a state-of-the-art ‘social barn’ with many functions.
As family and social networks grow throughout the years, devising a plan for the ultimate gathering space is an appealing endeavor. For one long-standing client of Polhemus Savery Da Silva (PSD), the opportunity came at the perfect time.
Located across the street from the client’s PSD-designed Cape Cod getaway home, a large property with an existing house and landscape suited for renovation and expansion became available. “There wasn’t much opportunity to expand on their other house,” notes John DaSilva, Principal Architect. “When this property came up, it was perfect.” With aspirations to create a dynamic space dedicated to leisure and entertainment for their large extended family, the client sought PSD’s expertise to design this stunning indoor/outdoor Social Barn.
(Architecture: PSD, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)
From the outside in, the structure blends contemporary and timeless design. “The clients didn’t want a rustic lodge per se, but they also didn’t want something that felt institutional,” says DaSilva. “They were interested in having some fun with the design.” An exposed fir wood post and beam frame is elevated by detailing and fixtures that offer a contemporary twist. When the sun sets, hidden lights spark a magical day-to-night transformation, with a dynamic color sequence lighting display that illuminates both exterior and interior spaces.
(Architecture: PSD, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)
On the ground level, a fireplace and television area holds court adjacent to the bar and kitchen, with large steel-framed windows and doors that open up to the surrounding landscape on the other three sides of the space.
(Architecture: PSD, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)
A freestanding steel and fir stair leads to a half basketball court that features a dramatic high ceiling with arched fir beams. “To avoid an overwhelmingly large-looking building, we suggested the basketball court be half underground,” notes DaSilva. The arched roof peers above ground, with a solar panel array that powers the complex. To complete the indoor retreat space, an exercise room, locker room, and sauna were also installed.
(Architecture: PSD, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)
The outdoor landscape brings the fun and entertainment outdoors. “Linear outdoor spaces reflect the social barn’s linear contemporary feel,” notes landscape architect Rob Calderaro. A bocce court, fire pit, and cutting garden transforms the surrounding landscape into an all-encompassing retreat that serves as an extension of the social barn.
(Architecture: PSD, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)
With creativity and innovation emerges a PSD masterpiece that offers a leisure and entertainment space with endless possibilities. Integrated seamlessly into idyllic natural surroundings, and built with high quality and durable materials, the social barn is a year-round retreat to be enjoyed for generations to come.
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