On a plot of land in Hingham, Massachusetts, what appears to be a classic working gambrel barn from the outside reveals a bespoke entertainment space and regulation basketball court on its interior. Functionality is key as this barn can provide a full court press as well as a refined dinner party for several guests. Dual outside porches and a loft offer specialized viewing platforms, while backlit custom timbers and black duct work sail through the trusses providing a contemporary appeal to a venerable form.

Renowned architect Patrick Ahern recalls the project, “So, we inherited an existing house, a relatively new, Georgian brick manor house that was kind of a replica house with some really terrible finishes on the interior. We gutted the interior of the house. It wasn’t that old, about 20 years old, and we brought it back into style, and following that we developed a new pool cabana near the existing pool. The barn was desired to provide the clients with a dedicated exercise and gathering space. It has a functional point of view as well as a span-centric point of view which was important. From the outside you have no idea that it’s a sports barn, it could have been a working barn on the site before they built the manor house. I think it works really well.”

Images Courtesy of New Energy Works & Pioneer Millworks

“We needed the barn to not feel like it was a dairy barn. We needed it to feel like it was an upscale barn and that’s why we selected the gambrel form to give it the clear ceiling height we needed for the basketball court. We had the ceiling height where we needed it, but also where it didn’t compete with the main house. That was an important piece. Then we used the dormers and clerestory lights to bring more light into the space while using the stone veneer on the base to anchor the building. Finally, the little farmer’s porch which was done in post and beam gives you a hint of what the interior is going to be.

Natural light also floods into the space via the barn’s large double doors located on either side of the basketball court, providing both a biophilic blend and easy access to the surrounding property and outdoor sitting area. Capping the lower level on one end of the barn is a full kitchen and above it is a comfortable gathering spot to watch the action on the court or to sit with friends and family for food and beverages around the big screen television.

Ahern says, “Of course, the interior being a huge open space but also having the upper loft and hang out space really gave the structure an opportunity to be more than just a sports bar. They could have a dinner party for, you know, 100 people inside the barn. Which would be really cool because it has the kitchen and everything else. We did some tricks where we back lit the timbers and some other touches to give it some real appeal, which is nice.”

This barndominium isn’t just about functionality, it’s about the experience; deftly designed and built for both movement and making memories. The perfect combination of high craft and high-performance living, rural charm and contemporary taste. Ideal for active families, sports lovers, or folks that want to entertain or relax with ample space to do so.

Ahern concludes, “The work that New Energy Works produces before construction is always very helpful to get a basic understanding of budget, performance, and character because there are lots of ways to frame a barn. New Energy Works is very easy to work with as they provide a great service and do fabulous work in the field; and the installations are always spectacular. They provide very good CAD drawings that convey what the project is going to be like. So, we and our clients, can understand it really well.”