Black Dirt Farm Collective
Event Barn

Upper Marlboro, MD

This newly constructed Event Barn will serve as the heart of a 26-acre farm, providing a much-needed space for cooking, gathering, and fellowship. Designed with sustainability and longevity in mind, the structure is centered around a dynamic great room showcasing exposed timber framing and natural, low-carbon materials, including wood, prefabricated straw bale walls, and reclaimed elements.

Flanking the great room, the kitchen and bathroom support the barn’s functionality, while a second-floor loft and elevated walkway create more intimate gathering areas overlooking the main space. Large openings and an outdoor patio extend the experience into the landscape, drawing in views of the surrounding woodlands, integrated pollinator gardens, and scenic trails.

Through an integrated design approach, our team collaborated with timber framers, engineers, contractors, sustainability consultants, and civil specialists to deliver a high-performance, energy-efficient building. The result is an ecologically conscious structure that sets a precedent for designing in harmony with both people and the planet.