Christine Reid Photography
(ERA Architects 2023)
This adaptive reuse project transforms an underutilized 2,300-square-foot agricultural barn into a refined seasonal event space and tasting room for Wilda, a boutique Prince Edward County meadery. The architectural strategy focused on breathing new life into the aging timber-frame structure, creating a flexible community destination that supports the beverage company’s operations while preserving the building's deep rural character. The intervention ensures the historic barn continues to contribute meaningfully to the County’s cultural landscape while adapting to a contemporary commercial programme.
The technical execution required a highly collaborative approach to conservation. Working in close coordination with heavy timber experts Trunnel, the structure was stabilized and refreshed to maintain its structural integrity without compromising its historic charm. To introduce natural light and frame expansive views of the surrounding landscape, a series of custom wood windows, traditional barn doors, and a modern sectional garage door were integrated into the existing envelope.
Material preservation was central to the envelope strategy; over half of the original barn boards were meticulously salvaged and reinstalled, while new replacement boards were selected specifically to weather over time into a matching soft grey patina. To extend the venue's operational capacity into the shoulder seasons, a new high-performance metal roof was installed, complete with two layers of rigid insulation boards to enhance thermal comfort. Accessibility was also addressed by levelling the existing grade, creating an expansive open floor plan that balances historical preservation with contemporary barrier-free design standards.
Christine Reid Photography
Before (2019)
After (2023)
Christine Reid Photography
