A Bank Barn is a multi-level barn built into a banking or hill so that the upper level was accessible by wagon, when wagons were used as the main vehicle for farm transportation. These barns often had ramps for entries. This modern adaptation of the classic two-level barn features board and batten cedar siding, stone foundation, standing-seam steel roof and modern timber frame interior. The variegated ramp of alternating stone and gravel bands historically allowed a team and wagon to enter the upper floor to deliver hay. Hay and grain was stored on the upper level and could easily be dropped to livestock sheltered on the lower level. This modern adaptation has a guest room and entertainment area on upper level. The ramp now serves as an entry and reflects the history of its past use.
This barn design can be entered on two levels. A four-vehicle garage is on lower level. Dormers provide north light to the second level. Retaining walls help to shape the grade to accommodate the split-level entry. The serving bar in the kitchen, at left, is in the second-level entertainment area. The modern stair, right, leads to the garage below. Simple modern joinery is employed in this fir timber frame. Heavy timber trusses with hidden connections support the roof and tie the barn sides together.
