Barnhouse I elevates and simplifies the essence of the platonic house. Ambiguities of scale and material are purposefully manipulated through large windows and 4x8 Parklex siding to provide iconic readings of “home” and “barn” and extend a timeless quality to the house. The stairway occurs outside the main shell, and becomes an iconic chimney, plastered inside and out. On the second floor, the sense of openness is increased also by treating the bathroom as a wooden cube inserted into the volume of the shell.