The Quarry View Douglas Fir Wedding Barn was timber framed and raised by Quarry View Building Group in Berryville, Virginia, using Douglas fir throughout the structure. Designed by Engel Architects, the project was conceived as a timber frame wedding venue on the historic Rosemont property, a site long known as a private retreat for U.S. presidents and notable public figures. Shortly after purchasing the property, owners William and Barbara Genda envisioned a timber frame barn that would respect the site’s historic character while resembling the agricultural structures that might have originally stood there.
From the earliest planning stages, the clients’ desire to honor the history of the property shaped the direction of the project. Hand-drawn sketches shared during the design process clearly expressed this intent, and those early concepts guided the development of a structure that feels both timeless and appropriate within its setting. The finished frame complements the surrounding historic buildings while establishing a new focal point for gatherings and celebrations.
All of the timbers for the barn were cut by hand using kiln-dried FOHC Douglas fir and traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery. To preserve the visual impact of the exposed timber work, special care was taken in planning the building’s utilities. Creative routing and coordination were required to prevent ductwork and piping from interfering with the clean lines and craftsmanship that define the interior aesthetic.
One of the most notable structural features of the building is its 40-foot clear span, achieved through a hammer beam truss system. This wide span required careful engineering and precise execution, resulting in an open interior space that highlights both the scale of the frame and the beauty of the Douglas fir timbers.
