Bamboo Barn

Usually we don't post about eco-architecture, as there are tons of other web sites and publications filled with the latest LEED-certifiable technology and how, if you have a zillion dollars, you can use cradle-to-cradle materials in your eco-manse. However, this seemed different. The materials used are modest, and most are locally sourced. The structures are part of a utiliarian set-up, designed as a place to store, fuel, and maintain agricultural equipment, with seasonal capacity for storing hay and grain. The open-air design provides ventilation to help dry bales of hay. All the bamboo is locally sourced, and the big surprise is that this isn't somewhere in Asia, but on the Mason Lane Farm in Kentucky. That's right, this is hand-tied, Kentucky-grown bamboo. My grandparents' farm didn't look like this. Then again, they weren't trying for a LEED gold certification.The second structure on site features panels of corrugated metal, which are typical of rural farm structures. The design details here are minimal, but effective. You can read more about it and see a full slideshow on Archinect. It's a great write-up, with lots of details on construction, materials, and the design philosophy.

Images from Archinect. Thanks to Inhabitat for the tip (Note: Inhabitat cites this as a North Carolina project, but it's actually in Kentucky. For our west-coast readers, there's probably not much difference ;-). However, I spent my summers visiting my grandparents at their Carolina farm, and I couldn't let the error go uncorrected.)