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The primary architectural concept was the insertion of a new freestanding two-level element within the main interior space of the barn. The new element acts to delineate the exhibition/teaching area from the library and kitchen. The interior of the lower level of the element contains accessible bathrooms, storage, and stairs to the offices on the ground floor. The upper level or roof of the element provides a loft for a meeting space. The stairs leading to the loft double as a seating area for children in the exhibition/teaching area.

One side of the inserted element breaks through the wall of the existing barn to create a library space while at the same time providing a new view of the stream in the valley below. The concept of inserting a freestanding element allows the original spatial quality of the barn to be experienced while preserving the original exposed wood structure and siding on the barn interior.