rural design
MR Barn for Agricultural Company
Majano, Udine, Italy
YEAR
2012-2014
CLIENT
Private
ASSIGNMENT
Architectural Design, Project and Safety Management
LOT SIZE
2720 m²
TOTAL VOLUME
4000 m³
This project involved the expansion of the housing facilities for cattle on a family owned dairy farm that had been handed down over generations and that had already been subjected to alterations and extensions before. The owners had plans to expand their agricultural activities and as a result needed to extend and adapt the existing stalls.
Good dairy housing is important for quality milk production. A well-designed barn provides a clean, comfortable home for the herd. I spent a great deal of time studying the growth cycle of cattle and planning how best to accommodate them during each phase. Research included the animal’s well-being, an important and topical theme today. Barns must protect cows from wind, moisture and extreme temperatures. Sunshine, good ventilation, location and waste disposal are key words to guaranteeing a successful project.
Adequate space must be provided in the stalls, without overcrowding. This is another important issue that must be factored into the ergonomic design of the barns. The walkways and animal traffic areas must be easily accessible for daily transfers and movement in all phases of growth to avoid any injuries. Additional pens are provided for calves, young stock and for freshening cows. The pens for each growth phase should be appropriate for the weight and size of the animal and designed so as to allow the cows to move easily from this area to the milking area.
The first order of business was to eliminate the asbestos roof on the existing structure. It was a delicate but crucial step to restoring the building. Then we constructed the lateral structures, significantly increasing the size of the barn and creating one huge area. The framework of the new structures was done in steel while the footings, floors, ramps and steps are in concrete.
The entire building process was carried out under the watchful eyes of a 200-strong herd of cattle, who for logistical reasons, were not able to be moved.
Good dairy housing is important for quality milk production. A well-designed barn provides a clean, comfortable home for the herd. I spent a great deal of time studying the growth cycle of cattle and planning how best to accommodate them during each phase. Research included the animal’s well-being, an important and topical theme today. Barns must protect cows from wind, moisture and extreme temperatures. Sunshine, good ventilation, location and waste disposal are key words to guaranteeing a successful project.
Adequate space must be provided in the stalls, without overcrowding. This is another important issue that must be factored into the ergonomic design of the barns. The walkways and animal traffic areas must be easily accessible for daily transfers and movement in all phases of growth to avoid any injuries. Additional pens are provided for calves, young stock and for freshening cows. The pens for each growth phase should be appropriate for the weight and size of the animal and designed so as to allow the cows to move easily from this area to the milking area.
The first order of business was to eliminate the asbestos roof on the existing structure. It was a delicate but crucial step to restoring the building. Then we constructed the lateral structures, significantly increasing the size of the barn and creating one huge area. The framework of the new structures was done in steel while the footings, floors, ramps and steps are in concrete.
The entire building process was carried out under the watchful eyes of a 200-strong herd of cattle, who for logistical reasons, were not able to be moved.
rural design
MR Barn for Agricultural Company
Majano, Udine, Italy
YEAR
2012-2014
CLIENT
Private
ASSIGNMENT
Architectural Design, Project and Safety Management
LOT SIZE
2720 m²
TOTAL VOLUME
4000 m³
This project involved the expansion of the housing facilities for cattle on a family owned dairy farm that had been handed down over generations and that had already been subjected to alterations and extensions before. The owners had plans to expand their agricultural activities and as a result needed to extend and adapt the existing stalls.
Good dairy housing is important for quality milk production. A well-designed barn provides a clean, comfortable home for the herd. I spent a great deal of time studying the growth cycle of cattle and planning how best to accommodate them during each phase. Research included the animal’s well-being, an important and topical theme today. Barns must protect cows from wind, moisture and extreme temperatures. Sunshine, good ventilation, location and waste disposal are key words to guaranteeing a successful project.
Adequate space must be provided in the stalls, without overcrowding. This is another important issue that must be factored into the ergonomic design of the barns. The walkways and animal traffic areas must be easily accessible for daily transfers and movement in all phases of growth to avoid any injuries. Additional pens are provided for calves, young stock and for freshening cows. The pens for each growth phase should be appropriate for the weight and size of the animal and designed so as to allow the cows to move easily from this area to the milking area.
The first order of business was to eliminate the asbestos roof on the existing structure. It was a delicate but crucial step to restoring the building. Then we constructed the lateral structures, significantly increasing the size of the barn and creating one huge area. The framework of the new structures was done in steel while the footings, floors, ramps and steps are in concrete.
The entire building process was carried out under the watchful eyes of a 200-strong herd of cattle, who for logistical reasons, were not able to be moved.
Good dairy housing is important for quality milk production. A well-designed barn provides a clean, comfortable home for the herd. I spent a great deal of time studying the growth cycle of cattle and planning how best to accommodate them during each phase. Research included the animal’s well-being, an important and topical theme today. Barns must protect cows from wind, moisture and extreme temperatures. Sunshine, good ventilation, location and waste disposal are key words to guaranteeing a successful project.
Adequate space must be provided in the stalls, without overcrowding. This is another important issue that must be factored into the ergonomic design of the barns. The walkways and animal traffic areas must be easily accessible for daily transfers and movement in all phases of growth to avoid any injuries. Additional pens are provided for calves, young stock and for freshening cows. The pens for each growth phase should be appropriate for the weight and size of the animal and designed so as to allow the cows to move easily from this area to the milking area.
The first order of business was to eliminate the asbestos roof on the existing structure. It was a delicate but crucial step to restoring the building. Then we constructed the lateral structures, significantly increasing the size of the barn and creating one huge area. The framework of the new structures was done in steel while the footings, floors, ramps and steps are in concrete.
The entire building process was carried out under the watchful eyes of a 200-strong herd of cattle, who for logistical reasons, were not able to be moved.