Cordwood Log Barn

Located in Ashton, Ontario, approximately 40km south west of Ottawa, this barn represents many techniques and details of log construction. Estimated to be constructed during the first half of the 19th century, it is composed of two volumes, intersecting at a right angle. The first has a gambrel roof and an earthen ramp, at the mid-point of the long side that leads directly to the hay loft. The stable portion of the barn is constructed using cordwood; the short logs (approx. 16” long) are laid into mortar crosswise. Their diameter varies between 3” and 10”. Laid perpendicular to these log sections are longer wood pieces that serve a similar function to jamb stones in masonry construction. The loft section of this part of the barn is constructed using large (up to 20”) logs laid horizontally and joined in a square notch at the corners. The roof is framed out in smaller logs.

The other section of the barn is not divided into floors. The base is framed using logs and joined in a dovetail notch. The roof is a simple gable frame. Notably, the openings are supported by horizontal wooden pegs that hold the logs in place. There are numerous interventions to stabilize the building including the use of concrete masonry units, cast-in-place concrete, steel guy-wires and additional wooden pieces notched between horizontal logs tying them together and filling gaps.