Rice barn

A rice barn is a type of barn used worldwide for the storage and drying of harvested rice. The designs, usually specialized to its function, vary from country to country. Rice barns in Asia appear quite different from rice barns found in other parts of the rice cultivating world. In the United States rice barns were once common throughout the state of South Carolina.

Rice barns in Asia

Indonesia

Rice barns in Indonesia (known as a "lumbung") are built on four poles, usually stand between 1 1/2 meter and 2 meters up from ground level. The upper storage area often has a distinct omega shape created by bending flexible framing of split bamboo or bettle nut trees to support the roof. The roof is generally covered with "a _al. barn conversion] has spread to to that nation as well. [http://www.doifarangbungalow.com/bungalows.htm Bugalows For Rent] , Doi Farang Bungalow, Thailand. Retrieved 8 February 2007.] Other structures mimic the traditional rice barn through their architecture. [http://www.asiatravel.com/thailand/fourseason_chiangmai/spa.html Spa] , Four Seasons Resort, Thailand. Retrieved 8 February 2007.]

Rice barns in North America

United States

Rice barns in the United States were most common in the state of South Carolina. Their design reflected their specialized use in rice cultivation.Auer, Michael J. [http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief20.htm The Presevation of Historic Barns] , Preservation Briefs, National Park Service, first published October 1989. Retrieved 8 February 2007.]

Design

In South Carolina rice barns were typically rectangular in shape and of frame construction. The exterior walls were commonly covered with cypress shingles. Brick pier foundations support the structures, which usually climbed two stories in height; gable roofs topped most of them off. The second floor could be accessed via an interior stairwell. Window and door placement would vary. Entrance doors, however, were often found at the end of one of the barn's long side walls and into the hay loft on the second floor. [http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/MPS/MPS031.pdf Georgetown County Rice Culture c. 1750 - c. 1910] , National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form, South Carolina Department of Archives and History [http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/georgetown/S10817722031/index.htm] . Retrieved 8 February 2007.]

References