SketchUp revised versions

 

Image via Wikipedia

 I have been getting more confident with SketchUp. I can't say enough about this program. As you can see, We plan an upper floor. Stairs are yet to be inserted. The loft doors on each end will be flanked by windows. I need to frame up supports for a bale lift, a beam extending out from above to hang a block and tackle from, above each end door. I also plan to put a pass-through from above each stall. And then comes the roof! The question is: trusses versus site-framed rafters, in the post and beam style.

 

The bottom view shows some features of the foundation. Each of the twenty upright posts will need a firm footer. I have planned for three foot square footers, 24 inches deep. The county building inspector will no doubt have a significant say here! My plan is to dig a trench for the outer perimeter footing, that will support the bale walls. It will be 24 inches deep, and 24 inches wide. The outer wall posts will set on the inner edge of this perimeter footing, with a bump-out three foot long and 20 inches wide, so a full footer will support each of those posts. I will ask the county inspector about rubble trench technology. We may be able to decrease the amount of concrete yardage by using compacted rock in the trenches. * Finally, the foundation will be insulated with EPS [expanded polystyrene] boards, and protected from rising damp with a good vapor barrier.

Basic Tiberframe

This is an early rendition of the frame I want to use for our monitor barn. I'm new to Google Sketchup, so it takes me quite a while to make a rendition. I still have a lot to learn. This should give you some idea about what we are thinking.

Suzie Johnson's Barn Wood

These are some pictures of the wood from the old barn we are having torn down. There are eight 12X12 posts that are in good shape! I am so pumped about this project. I've been rethinking the basic plan of the barn, since we have made the switch to using the post and beam system. I am a decent self taught draftsmen, but I'm not interested in redrawing all the plans by hand, so I have been spending some time learning Google Sketchup. I had looked at the program some time ago, when it first came on-line. I didn't take to it very well, but now that they've ramped it up quite a bit, and I have a reason to take the time to learn it, and it is great! I suggest anyone who wants to draw look into Sketchup. I use a mac, and the combination is powerful! I'll need to post some example sketch-ups.