Starlight Farms Utilizes Modern Construction Technology

This impressive 8,500-square-foot equestrian facility includes 19 custom stalls and top of the line amenities.

Welcome to Starlight Farms, a private equestrian facility specifically constructed for world class grand prix jumpers. Located on a picturesque wooded property in Greenwich, Connecticut, this impressive barn is a collaboration between Murphy Brothers Contracting of Mamaroneck, New York, architectural firm Jones Byrne Margeotes Partners of Stamford, Connecticut, and B&D Builders of Paradise, Pennsylvania.

Partners:

Mid-Atlantic Steel Fabrication

Mid-Atlantic Timberframes

Vintage Millwork & Restoration

Vintage Wood & Forged Iron

Photography by Jana Bannan Photography

Starlight Farms consists of the stable with 13 standard stalls, two tack stalls and two wash stalls, a separate muck building with quarantine stalls and a three-bay garage, an exterior jump field with a Boral rider wall, six paddocks, and a pump shed housing a sophisticated 60,000-gallon in-ground water system to manage sprinklers and other fire-prevention features throughout the facility. The barn is complete with two groom’s quarters and an impressive riders’ lounge.

Cross-Laminated timber (CLT) Framing

B&D Builders is known for their exceptional equestrian barns, embracing tradition and technology. A recent transformative trend combines the strength of heavy timber framing and cross-laminated timber (CLT) framing. CLT, a panelized, structural engineered wood product can be used in all major building components, including floors, interior and exterior walls, and roofs. CLT is made of three or more layers of lumber, with knots and check removed, and with each layer oriented perpendicularly to the adjacent layer. The layers are then pressed together with adhesive.

CLT’s aesthetic and functional qualities were notable in this project. The CLT components delivered a finished, modern look to the barn’s ceiling, complementing the heavy timber frame joints and supports, while also providing sound-dampening properties. This significantly reduces noise from rainfall on the roof, contributing to a tranquil environment for horses and reducing noise overall. Despite record-breaking rainfall, the Greenwich project was completed in just over a year, a testament to the efficiency of pre-fabricated components alongside site preparation and permitting. This hybrid building approach aligns with green building principles as timber harvested from responsibly sourced wood is a sustainable material. Its production also creates fewer carbon emissions compared to steel or concrete.

Starlight Farms utilized the CLT method which cut down on construction time, utilizing pre-cut timber and CLT components. This ready-to-install framing method significantly reduces construction time compared to traditional on-site framing.

Barn Interior

Constructed from new sawn white oak post and beam, the main barn features 84 skylights equipped with heat and rain sensors, radiant heated floors, two groom’s quarters, and a special riders’ lounge.

The stalls are from B&D Builder’s stall partner, Blackwood Equestrian Stalls.

The beautiful and modern hanging lights are from Barn Light Electric.

From function to aesthetics, every detail was considered to allow the barn to function for riders and visitors. Spacious storage and seating areas are found in the center aisle.