Cayucos Ridge Barn in California's Central Coast by Clayton Korte
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Set along the eastern edge of a 150-acre property in California’s Santa Lucia Range—30 acres of which are planted with Syrah vines—this simple agricultural barn supports vineyard operations while honoring its unique Central Coast setting. Strategically positioned between the forest and vineyard, the 4,315-square-foot structure opens westward with broad bays, creating a direct connection to the working landscape. A generous roof overhang shades a functional work porch and shields the overhead doors from the intense afternoon sun, reinforcing the design’s passive environmental strategies.
The barn’s orientation and material palette reflect a commitment to sustainability through simplicity, durability, and performance. A wood-framed structure is clad in corrugated weathering steel—both walls and roof—selected for its longevity, zero-maintenance requirements, and ability to age gracefully with a deepening natural patina over time. Sliding barn doors at each end are clad in reclaimed remnants from Saxum Winery, repurposed to give new life to existing material and reduce the demand for newly fabricated finishes.
Designed to operate off the grid, the barn incorporates roof-mounted crystalline photovoltaic panels that charge an on-site battery bank, eliminating reliance on external utilities. Overhead doors with polycarbonate glazing panels allow natural daylight to penetrate interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Inside, the barn houses equipment essential to managing the vineyard and annual harvests—including heavy farming machinery, grape-picking bins, tool storage, and an open-air workshop area. The interior is framed in exposed wood and paneled in raw plywood, contrasted with painted cabinetry, offering a utilitarian aesthetic that complements the rustic nature of the site. The result is a highly functional, climate-conscious structure that supports agricultural productivity while celebrating resilience, resourcefulness, and connection to the land.
“We chose materials that would require little to no maintenance, age with dignity, and reflect the natural rhythms of the landscape. Weathering steel, reclaimed wood, and raw plywood were not just aesthetic decisions—they were acts of stewardship.”—Brian Korte, FAIA
CLAYTON KORTE DESGIN TEAM:
Brian Korte, FAIA, Principal
Josh Nieves, AIA, Senior Architect
PROJECT TEAM:
Architecture: Clayton Korte
General Contractor: Woulbroun Construction, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Buehler Engineering, Inc.
Civil Engineer: Walsh Engineering
Planner: Kirk Consulting
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Casey Dunn
Ray Castro
