Saxum Vineyard Equipment Barn

Located in the Templeton Gap area of West Paso Robles, California, this modern agricultural storage barn sits at the edge of the 50-acre James Berry Vineyard near Saxum Winery.

Designed as a contemporary pole barn, its reclaimed oilfield drill stem pipe framework supports a photovoltaic roof that produces well over 100% of the winery’s annual energy demand. The structure provides covered open-air storage for farm equipment, workshop and maintenance space, and livestock supply storage.

Harnessing the local climate for ventilation, daylight, and solar gain, the laminated glass photovoltaic roof generates roughly 88,700 kWh annually—171% of the winery’s electricity use—achieving complete energy independence through net metering. Its 192 Lumos Solar LSX frameless modules serve as both the roof and renewable energy source, eliminating the need for a separate mounting system.

Durable, low-maintenance materials were chosen for longevity and sustainability in the dry climate. The primary frame, built from welded reclaimed Schedule 40 drill stem pipe, naturally weathers over time. Cross-bracing provides lateral stability, while laminated glass modules rest on wood and WT steel purlins. An 8-inch half-pipe gutter prepares the system for future rainwater harvesting. Perforated Cor-Ten steel panels shade and screen the equipment bays.

Salvaged and local materials reinforce the ethos of reuse. Barn doors are clad with weathered steel off-cuts from the adjacent winery in a patchwork “calico” pattern. Storage boxes feature stained cedar exteriors and Douglas fir plywood interiors.

As the first structure greeting visitors to the vineyard, the barn embodies Saxum Winery’s dedication to sustainability and harmony with the landscape—a fully self-sufficient, off-grid structure demonstrating resilience and respect for the environment.

Awards:
AIA Small Projects Award, AIA California Award of Merit, Texas Society of Architects Design Award, AIA Central Coast Chapter Award of Excellence,AIA San Antonio People + Places Design Award, American Institute of Steel Construction Ideas2 Merit Award, Society of American RegisteredArchitects California (SARA) Award of Excellence, Building Integrated Solar Technology Award, Architecture MasterPrize Winner - OtherArchitecture, Architect's Newspaper Best of Design Awards - Building of the Year Finalist