The design for a horse barn in Vero Beach’s West Corridor attempts to marry Southern charm, coastal comfort, and rural Florida farm life. Overlooking the fields on one of Vero’s remaining old citrus groves, the horse barn displays a concise use of smooth white stucco, stained wood, and metal roofing.

The barn’s white stucco is over CMU block, which is not common for barn structures. However, it was necessary to match the colonial home’s white stucco solid stature. Then, where the outdoor covered spaces project from the barn’s main structure, the materials transition to wood. This expression of posts and beams evoke a traditional wood barn. Finally, the metal roof is a simple, singular element that is common to both coastal Florida architecture. These elements are combined into a coherent whole that can stand on its own and match its varied surroundings.

The barn’s interior features its exposed roofing system in detailed wood. Shaded openings carry the cool breeze through. The lower part of the concrete block walls are furred with wood, so that the horses don’t damage their hooves if kicked. The floor is a rubberized paver that provides comfort to the horse while also being durable and cleanable.

With small changes to an established building type, a unique structure was created. The hope, however, is that the barn doesn’t appear unique or special when seen in situ. The hope is that it appears perfectly at home in its surroundings.