Project Overview

Yamhill Barn

High-Performance SIP Construction for Mixed-Use Agricultural Spaces

Main floor: 1,725 SF / Basement: 1,728 SF / Greenhouse: 240 SF / Loft 480 SF

The Yamhill Barn is a mixed-use agricultural structure designed to support organic hazelnut farming alongside creative, professional, and community-oriented activities. The building’s full concrete drive-in basement provides access for farm equipment and harvest storage, while the main floor and attached greenhouse function as flexible entertaining and creative spaces. A loft level above serves as meeting and office space, allowing the building to support a wide range of year-round uses.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to support the building’s diverse functional requirements and continuous occupancy needs. The owners required a construction method capable of delivering interior comfort, energy efficiency, and durable wall assemblies suitable for both agricultural operations and regularly occupied spaces. SIPs provided a straightforward, panelized solution that simplified construction while supporting both interior and exterior wall treatments—making them well suited for a barn structure with mixed-use demands.

This project demonstrates the versatility of SIP construction in supporting working farm operations while also creating inviting, functional spaces for meetings, creativity, and community use—all within a durable, energy-efficient structure.

Design and Sustainability

Agricultural buildings in the Pacific Northwest must manage moisture, seasonal temperature swings, and long service life expectations. For this project, the design prioritized a high-performance building envelope that could protect equipment and crops while also providing comfortable interior environments for people.

By using SIPs, the building achieves improved thermal performance and reduced air infiltration compared to conventional barn construction. This approach helps stabilize interior conditions, reduce condensation risk, and expand the functional potential of the structure beyond traditional agricultural use.

Why SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to meet the project’s unique combination of agricultural durability and human comfort requirements. SIPs integrate structure, insulation, and air sealing into a single system, simplifying construction while delivering consistent performance.

For the Yamhill Barn, SIP construction allowed the building to function as both a working farm facility and a regularly occupied space—without the need for separate wall systems or complex detailing.

Benefits of SIPs

The use of SIPs delivered several important advantages for this project:

• Interior Comfort:
  Continuous insulation supports stable interior temperatures suitable for year-round occupancy.

• Energy Efficiency:
  Reduced air leakage and thermal bridging help limit energy demand compared to traditional barn construction.

• Durability:
  SIP assemblies provide solid, long-lasting wall and roof systems capable of supporting agricultural use.

• Construction Simplicity:
  Panelized construction streamlined framing and enclosure while accommodating multiple wall finishes.

Construction and Innovation

SIP construction enabled efficient enclosure of a building with varied programmatic needs while maintaining envelope continuity across walls and roof assemblies. The prefabricated panel system improved quality control and reduced onsite variability, supporting reliable performance across all uses.

This approach reflects a modern evolution of barn construction—one that prioritizes performance, flexibility, and longevity.

Challenges and Solutions

Designing a building that could serve both agricultural operations and regularly occupied spaces required careful attention to insulation, air sealing, and durability. SIPs addressed these challenges by delivering a high-performance envelope that supports comfort, efficiency, and long-term resilience without adding construction complexity.

Key Features

• Mixed-use agricultural structure supporting organic hazelnut farming

• Drive-in concrete basement for equipment access and harvest storage

• Main floor and greenhouse for creative and community-oriented use

• Loft-level meeting and office space

• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) wall and roof construction

• Durable, energy-efficient building envelope

This project proves that SIP construction isn’t limited to homes or offices—it can powerfully support working farms while creating welcoming spaces for meetings, creativity, and community gatherings.