University of California, Santa Cruz | Historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn Restoration
The historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, a timber-framed structure dating back to the 1860s, sits on the federally listed Cowell Lime Works Historic District, a 30-acre parcel of land at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
The structure was dismantled and reconstructed over a new foundation, re-using as much of the original materials as possible. The barn was constructed by hand using the art of mortise and tenon joinery with wooden pegs, an uncommon technique in California.
The structure was dismantled and reconstructed over a new foundation, re-using as much of the original materials as possible. The barn was constructed by hand using the art of mortise and tenon joinery with wooden pegs, an uncommon technique in California. The restored structure is intended to be a welcoming focal point for visitors.
The restored structure is intended to be a welcoming focal point for visitors to the university and ranch, and includes workspaces and meeting rooms for students, visitors, and events. A planned second construction phase will provide interior improvements to accommodate small conferences, lectures, and workshops and add rooftop solar panels.
Introba (formerly Integral Group) provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services and LEED documentation and commissioning.