Helen and Mike Harrell, Owners; New Bern, NC
Outside of New Bern across the Neuse River in rural Craven County, the Harrell’s home is surrounded by barns and other agrarian structures. They have a swimming pool adjacent to their 1992 house. The design mandate was to provide a building to be used as a bathhouse, gathering space and summer kitchen that would complement the existing house and form a protected domain for outdoor living.
The poolhouse was designed to fit upon a 24 foot square existing concrete slab. To be built within a tight budget, modest materials reflecting those of the house and of local vernacular barn construction were used. Stock 2 x 8 lumber forms assembled trusses plus ceiling and roof surfaces…a modified plank and beam structural system. The trusses are configured to provide a tall, spacious main room and to accommodate high windows for ample daylighting and ventilation.
Humble structures (huts), when refined with care, become Temples.
John Lucas Architect