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& Architecture design "Her depth of knowledge and sense of place needed to register within the structure," Primmer says, "but she also wanted a model for sustainability within the region, and no bullshit." A "green" building usually means an expensive building. You can expect to pay up to 30 percent more for LEED-certifed construction, making it unafordable for many people. De Leon and Primmer wanted to stay away from specialized or mechanical green systems and products (solar panels, etc.) and were looking for a new template for building green. Te process began with the duo spending time on the farm, taking into account the landscape, lighting, overall climate and weather patterns, in addition to fnding the right site. "Tese structures literally could not be anywhere but this particular place," de Leon says. Using a prefabricated metal barn kit, for economy and heritage (many dot Kentucky's landscape), the de Leon and Primmer team proceeded to play with other materials — the cheapest of lumber, Homasote fberboard and locally sourced bamboo — looking for possibility and potential to make the hay barn unusual. Te credo became, "Trust in exploration, research and context." Te team says it was looking for "beauty 88 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 7.13 through economy." A unique weave of the bamboo became necessary because, de Leon says, "hay needs air to run through it, so that it can breathe, but the material also gave us an opportunity for light and texture, and this allows for free beauty; you cannot design that." Te roof is pitched like a pagoda, a little higher than normal, permitting rain to run of into a concrete trough that also acts as the barn's foundation. Te design provides for water collection but also makes the building look as though it is hovering ever so slightly of the ground; this pitch and design also provides aerodynamic stability during high winds. Te bamboo is adhered to the structure with wire ties; this natural element shrinks and patinas over time, but, remarkably, the only tool necessary for repair will be simple pliers. A second building houses ofces, workspace and stored equipment. Made of the same "kit" framework as the hay barn, the interior was left unfnished. Sustainable Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Homasote and two-byfours were played to the very edge of their potential. "We found the rough materials created patterns," de Leon says, "and that we could mimic from the barn next door. Even the nailheads were an opportunity to create 'free' detail and exploit the beauty of the raw material." Te cellulose-based Homasote is cut on the bias, making it feel velvety and smooth, then is glued together in bricks to create texture in the ofces and working rooms of the building, giving these spaces, at practically no extra cost, a feeling of luxury and import. Te long windows are reminiscent of traditional tobacco barns but also make the best use of the sun. Teir placement allows for warmth and light throughout the day, no matter what the season. Heated foors, in selected areas used by staf, result from an economical boiler system that uses farm debris as its primary fuel source. Mason Lane is the frst Kentucky project in 26 years to receive an AIA honor award. (Te last was the Humana Building in 1987.) It's also the frst AIA award in 34 years for a Kentucky-based architectural frm. Tat aside, when asked to defne what makes this building special, both architects pointed out that those who work and make their living in the structure like being there. It is, after all, a barn. It stores hay and tractors and smells like dirt. It does exactly what de Leon and Primmer designed it to do, and that ultimately is the goal of any great architect. Te rest of it, as they say, is just "free beauty."