Pig & Hen Studio

Ontario

The project involved transforming an abandoned pig and hen barn south of Alexandria into a modern studio and performance space. Originally, the ground floor of the two-storey, 16 x 40-foot barn featured a cord wood wall assembly atop a three-foot-high concrete knee wall base, serving as a pigsty for the farm’s swine herd. Above, the chicken and hen area were characterized by exposed wood stud walls and a timber-framed roof structure.

Situated among other barns on the same lot as the principal dwelling unit, the Pig & Hen Studio frames an open south-facing field overlooking the St Lawrence River and Adirondack hills, contributing to its picturesque setting. Preserving the barn’s simple yet striking architectural features was paramount, inspiring us to retain its original characteristics while adapting it for contemporary use. This approach fostered a harmonious dialogue between the old and new elements, each enhancing the overall space in distinct ways.

Key preservation efforts included maintaining the barn’s unique exterior wall structure, cladding, exposed wood roof structure, and post-and-beam floor framing. Enhancements focused on functionality and sustainability, such as enclosing part of the post-and-beam floor structure to create a work mezzanine, insulating interior and exterior wall assemblies to required R-values, and installing new windows that matched the existing aesthetic.

Strategic modifications included replacing the pig barn’s vent stack with a new light cupola, adding a circular stair to access the mezzanine, and extending the east exterior building face to increase floor area within the double-height section of the renovation. Throughout, new construction features a minimalist white surface to contrast with the original barn’s warm, textured materials, emphasizing the juxtaposition of old and new within the revitalized space.

Year: 2024
Photography: Kevin Belanger

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