BARNagain is Built From Recycled Old Barns

Matt Gleckler, the proprietor of Antique Beams & Boards in Delta, Ohio, has established a business dedicated to the reclamation and repurposing of wood from historic barns across the state. His enterprise transforms these rural structures, often seen as ripe for demolition, into valuable reclaimed lumber for various applications. Gleckler’s initial foray into entrepreneurship was not in reclaimed wood; after studying finance at the University of Toledo, he worked in banking investments before building and co-owning a movie theater in Wauseon with his wife. The inspiration for Antique Beams & Boards emerged when Gleckler needed to dismantle a dilapidated barn to make way for the theater. This experience led him to research demolition and the potential of reclaimed barn wood, discovering the inherent quality and enduring beauty of timbers from barns built centuries ago. The core mission of Antique Beams & Boards is to honor the past by giving these ancient wood pieces a new purpose. Gleckler emphasizes that each barn offers a unique window into history. The reclaimed barn boards are skillfully repurposed into a variety of high-end products, including elegant countertops, sturdy mantelpieces, and durable wood flooring. This process ensures that the historical materials, some dating back 200 years, continue to be appreciated in modern contexts. Since its inception, Gleckler's business has successfully harvested materials from over 1,000 barns, extending the life of their timber far beyond their original structural intent. While Gleckler's operations are rooted in Ohio, the reclaimed barn materials find their way to projects nationwide, particularly in the eastern United States. A notable example includes the complete disassembly of a full-frame barn from Northwood in 2010, which was then meticulously reconstructed as a vacation home in Stowe, Vermont. Closer to home, businesses and residences in Ohio also incorporate these historical elements. For instance, the Bass Pro Shops in Rossford utilized restored wood for their flooring and siding, while the Orchard Bar + Table in Catawba Island integrated reclaimed beams and boards into its interior decor. Gleckler has also contributed to preserving local heritage by donating reclaimed wood to Sauder Village, a living-history museum located in Archbold. Gleckler possesses the expertise to estimate the age of a barn, often within a 10-to-15-year margin, based on its architectural style. He notes that the types of wood used in construction can indicate a barn's geographical origin; for example, barns in Napoleon often feature elm, while those east of Toledo frequently contain more oak. He points out that while New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia also have barns, Ohio, particularly the northwest region, boasts a significant quantity. Gleckler highlights the sustainability of his business model, stating that every part of the old barn material is utilized, right down to the last nail. This commitment to recycling ensures that these historical structures are given an extended life and continue to contribute to new designs and constructions. #ReclaimedWood #Barns #SustainableBuilding #OhioHistory #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalSalvage #Entrepreneurship #WoodRecycling

Gina Ragsdale, founder of Southern Demolition & Environmental, initially started her tear-down firm ten years ago. During this venture, Ragsdale developed an aversion to discarding materials from demolished structures. This led her to establish an architectural salvage store, where she repurposed and sold salvaged items. The store quickly gained unexpected traction from film crews, particularly those involved in thrillers such as *The Walking Dead*, who sought out materials that simulated damaged or desolate environments, aligning with themes of a post-apocalyptic setting. Among the various recycled materials offered, salvaged bricks emerged as the most popular product. The appeal of brick in Georgia is rooted in the region's abundant red clay, making it a traditional and favored material for both construction and landscaping. Additionally, bricks are practical for salvage operations due to their durability and ease of storage and reuse. Ragsdale noted the resilience of bricks, humorously stating, "My bricks don’t complain when they sit outside in the yard." Historical observations also suggest that bricks used in Atlanta’s midcentury ranch houses were often recycled, potentially sourced from commercial buildings in St. Louis that had been destroyed by fire. The practice of using reclaimed materials like salvaged bricks contributes to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points for contemporary builders, promoting sustainable construction. To further expand her market, Ragsdale innovated by slicing the solid bricks into thin brick tiles, positioning her company as Atlanta's leading provider of genuine thin brick tiles. These thin tiles offer a practical advantage, as they can be installed with the same ease as conventional tiles, yet they possess the unique ability to impart a century-old aesthetic to a new wall almost instantly. This business model not only addresses the environmental concern of waste reduction but also caters to a niche market desiring historic architectural elements. The process of salvaging, storing, and repurposing bricks, particularly in the form of thin tiles, provides a sustainable and aesthetically desirable solution for both historical preservation and contemporary design needs, allowing new constructions to integrate an aged and established appearance. #salvagedBricks #recycledMaterials #GinaRagsdale #architecturalSalvage #thinBrickTiles #sustainableBuilding #historicAesthetic #LEEDpoints

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

Ruth Rengasamy, who grew up in a rammed-earth home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, always appreciated its natural insulation, which kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter. Her parents built the home themselves using a handbook, inspiring her with the unique qualities of rammed earth. Rammed earth is a building material composed of natural raw materials like earth, chalk, lime, or gravel. When Ms. Rengasamy and her husband, Raja, decided to renovate their dilapidated California bungalow in Brunswick, Melbourne’s inner north, they were determined to incorporate rammed-earth walls. Architect Steffen Welsch of Steffen Welsch Architects was enthusiastic about the idea, noting that rammed-earth homes offer a strong sense of shelter and protection from the outside world due to their solid construction. The renovation involved demolishing an old lean-to at the rear of the bungalow to make way for a new extension featuring the rammed-earth walls. The earth for construction was sourced from a nearby quarry and mixed with lime for added stability. Mr. Welsch emphasized the contextual and environmentally friendly nature of using local earth, as its color reflects the region, and the process has a lower environmental impact compared to concrete production. These walls contribute a raw beauty and natural texture to the extension, which houses the main bedroom, a study, a laundry, and the kitchen, meals, and living areas. Beyond the unusual materials, the extension's curved shape also stands out. Ms. Rengasamy explained that they wanted to avoid a standard box-shaped extension. Since the backyard faces south, a curved design was adopted to maximize morning light. This design successfully brings ample morning sunshine into the home. The front of the house also underwent a significant renovation. The bungalow was in poor condition and had lost much of its original character. Although the couple considered tearing it down, they decided against it to preserve the streetscape, as a row of matching bungalows lined the street. The house was restumped, and the original weatherboards were replaced. Mr. Welsch also redesigned the front to connect the home more effectively with the neighborhood, adding French doors to the front spare bedroom for easy access to the front yard. The revamped house now offers distinct spaces for children, guests, and parents, along with communal and transitional zones. The change in flooring from timber in the older part of the house to polished concrete in the new extension visibly marks these different areas. The kitchen is a highlight for Ms. Rengasamy, featuring a large island bench, Corian countertops, and extensive outdoor views through numerous windows, including a curved bank of glass doors. She notes that the kitchen’s design makes cooking enjoyable and that the entire living area remains bright and cheerful even on dark winter days, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. #BrunswickRenovation #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeExtension #CaliforniaBungalow #NaturalMaterials #MelbourneRealEstate

Susan and Peter Schottland embarked on a project to construct a 'party barn' on their overgrown land across from their home on Canandaigua Lake, with a strong commitment to respecting the natural environment. The property, initially featuring four dilapidated houses and dense overgrowth, revealed a 30-foot waterfall with a small pool and a creek flowing into the lake once cleared. This natural wonder became the central design inspiration for the barn. Designer Margit Jacobson collaborated with architect Tim Tyskiewicz and the Schottlands to create a timber frame barn that harmoniously integrates with the landscape. The main floor was meticulously designed to capitalize on the waterfall view, featuring an almost entirely glass back wall. This design includes four tall, oversized windows on the loft level and four metal-framed glass sliding doors on the ground level, framing the stone patio, trees, waterfall, and green space, which was designed by landscape architect Mark Bayer. The ground-level doors are zero-threshold, allowing for seamless integration of the indoors and outdoors, effectively creating a large, unified entertaining space. The kitchen showcases reclaimed wood, cleverly concealing appliances like the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cabinets. The outdoor kitchen is equally impressive, featuring a table crafted by Richard Sands, chairman of Constellation Brands, which comfortably seats 20 people. Sands also contributed a wooden coffee table through his furniture-making company, Icon. The project also emphasized a connection to the land's history, noting its original ownership by the Menteth family in the 1830s. Architectural materials were chosen to reflect this historical and natural context, utilizing large stone, cobbles, cedar shake, and Douglas fir beams. The aim was to make the structure appear as though it had always been a part of the landscape. Inside, the barn maintains an open feel while incorporating intimate and comfortable areas through strategic furniture placement and material selections. Exposed beams highlight the structure's style and the site's rustic character. A muted color palette, dark engineered wood flooring, a large stone fireplace, and metallic accents contribute to a design that is both contemporary and timeless. The interior floor, an engineered wood with a rustic aesthetic and butterfly ties, was sourced from ArtWalk Tile and installed by Ray Case. Jacobson incorporated traditional materials in innovative ways to create refreshing design elements. Examples include cowhide material used as a wall application, small wood slices forming a backdrop to the sink, ropes serving as light cords, and a petrified wood bowl functioning as a bathroom sink. Given the barn's purpose for high-traffic entertaining, durability and comfort were paramount. Materials were selected for their ability to develop a patina over time, including a concrete coffee table top, copper exterior sconces, and sofa leather. The upper loft features three large beds, with the only doors being saloon doors for the Jack-and-Jill bathroom, giving it a 'camp quarters' ambiance. The furniture and pillows feature basic leather and wool fabrics, and French grain sacks repurposed into bedding, collectively contributing to a simple yet elegant aesthetic. The three-year project was completed just in time for the owners' daughter's wedding, with the celebration taking place outdoors at the falls, highlighting the unique natural feature that defines this custom-built space. #ReclaimedWood #EntertainingSpace #TimberFrameBarn #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #RusticLuxury #CanandaiguaLake #WaterfrontProperty #ArchitecturalDesign