This renovated California barn is spacious, light, and disaster-proof

The barn, built in the early 1900s, sits near the old Northwest Pacific Railroad. Its exterior has been refinished with redwood, including some that was recycled from the original building.

In the renovation, architect Heidi Richardson exposed the ceiling beams, where some of the trusses were damaged and had to be rehabilitated or replaced. Whimsical schoolhouse lighting was added as a reminder of the era in which the barn was built.

The kitchen and bathroom were constructed in a "service cube" clad in wood. This modular space has marble countertops and plenty of shelf space. The door to the bathroom can just be seen on the back left edge.

The kitchen is a bit of a room within a room, its ventilated ceiling sitting a few feet below the exposed ceiling of the barn itself. The dining area is out in the open in front of the cube.

A small loft sleeping space is flanked by a bedroom on either side, meaning there are three private sleeping spaces quite close together. The cozy loft sleeping space is only accessible by ladder and has a skylight for cloud- or star-gazing.

Aside from the "service cube" kitchen and bathroom, the space is fairly open concept. The entire upper-floor living space is about 1,000 square feet. Most surfaces here are clad in wood, including the floors, which are white stained oak.

This staircase leading up to the living area also utilizes sparse schoolhouse lighting. Downstairs, the barn is still a garage space.