Set amidst the rolling hills of Charlottesville, Virginia, this Chapel Springs barn stands like a jewel in the fields. Its timeless elegance made stronger by a recent renovation that pairs its historic beauty with modern amenities. While the intent was to maintain the integrity of the original barn, the path was cleared for applying cutting edge technology to create a more modern facility. Lancaster, PA-based B&D Builders, experts in equestrian facilities, renovations and adaptive reuse, collaborated with the owners and the original builder to transform the dark and outdated barn into a space that provides comfort for both animals and riders.
“It was an existing barn with really good bones,” says Daniel Glick, B&D Builders owner and founder. “We peeled back the existing finishes and applied timbers in the form of lock mitered box beams to the existing structural membrane for a more refined finish.”
While the current barn was very well built, it was also dark and enclosed compared to today’s standards. To overcome this, B&D proposed cutting away more than 2/3 of the center aisle roof to open up the space and incorporating Kalwall, an uplighting solution that does not blind or cast shadows on the barn floor which could potentially spook horses.
“With all the framing already in place, we could not prepare for this properly without doing something dramatic,” says Glick. “We proposed a barrel cleaning with the “ribs” holding up the sections we cut out and supported by a series of complex hidden steel beams and other stabilizing systems.”
The team incorporated reclaimed chestnut doors throughout, reclaimed white oak in the tack room, state-of-the-art washing and grooming facilities, and a complex yet highly effective ventilation system. Comfort Stall Mats and rolled rubber flooring also add to the horses’ well-being while the architectural upgrades offer riders a graceful and inviting space.
Project Team:
Architect: Neumann Lewis & Buchanan
General Contractor: B&D Builders
Corbels and Other Timber Work: Mid-Atlantic Timberframes
Interior Doors and Box Beams: Vintage Millwork & Restoration
Reclaimed Wood: Vintage Wood & Forged Iron
Stall Fronts: Blackwood Equestrian Stalls
ABOUT B&D BUILDERS
B&D Builders is a full-service custom builder with the expertise to bring new construction and remodeling projects to life. B&D Builders’ team of skilled designers and craftsmen have brought creativity and attention to detail to hundreds of projects across the U.S., including bank barns, equestrian arenas, event facilities, historic restorations, commercial properties, and luxury homes. B&D relishes building a heritage structure that not only stands the test of time but brings the customer’s vision into full focus. For more than 20 years, B&D Builders projects have been Built Right or Not at All. For more information, please visit BandDBuilders.com.
