DEHS Hybrid Livestock Barn Project
Building for the Future: A Hybrid Livestock Barn Case Study for Desert Edge High School
DEHS Hybrid Livestock Barn: Raising livestock is an invaluable experience, teaching responsibility, business skills, and a deep respect for agriculture. At Coffman Barns, we believe every student deserves this opportunity. That’s why we were proud to partner with Desert Edge High School (DEHS) in Goodyear, Arizona, to design and construct a state-of-the-art hybrid livestock barn that meets the unique needs of their Agriculture and FFA education program.
This project showcases the power of a well-designed hybrid livestock barn to provide a versatile, safe, and efficient environment for both animals and their caretakers. As an authorized FCP Barns dealer, we combined top-quality materials with thoughtful design to create a facility that will serve DEHS students for years to come.
DEHS Hybrid Livestock Barn Details That Make a Difference
A great barn is defined by its details. We believe that functionality and animal welfare go hand-in-hand, which is why we incorporate features that enhance comfort, safety, and usability.
- Enclosed Gable Barn: Two 24′ x 18′ large storage or tack rooms with double door entry from the 24′ x 36′ porch overhang shelter. There are also side doors and a connecting wall door for convenient access to each space.
- Sixteen Open Air Livestock Stalls: FCP’s “Buckeye” wire stall fronts and dividers provide natural lighting, ventilation control, and comfort.
The Challenge: A Versatile Space for Student Success
Desert Edge High School needed more than just a place to house animals. They required a multi-functional facility to support their students’ Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. These projects are a core part of the FFA curriculum, where students learn to raise livestock, as well as support community events like the Maricopa County Fair.
The structure had to accomplish several key goals:
- Provide secure and comfortable housing for a wide variety of livestock.
- Offer protection from the intense Arizona sun for students and animals.
- Include ample, secure storage for feed, tack, and essential equipment.
- Maximize ventilation and natural light to ensure animal well-being.
- Be durable and low-maintenance to serve a busy school environment.
A traditional barn design wouldn’t meet all these needs. The solution was a custom hybrid livestock barn that intelligently blends open-air housing with enclosed, functional spaces.
The Solution: A Custom Hybrid Livestock Barn
Working closely with DEHS, Coffman Barns, along with FCP Barns, engineered a structure that perfectly balanced their needs for shelter, storage, and animal housing. The final design is a testament to the flexibility and innovation possible with a hybrid barn concept.
- The Heart of the Barn: Gable Structure and Porch: The central component of the facility is a sturdy gable barn. This classic design provides excellent durability and weather resistance. Attached to this main structure is a large 36′ x 24′ gable porch shelter. This covered area is critical in the Arizona climate, offering a cool, shaded space for students to work with their animals, conduct lessons, and prepare for shows, all while protected from the sun.
- Storage & Tack Rooms: Inside the main gable barn, we constructed two extra-large, fully enclosed storage rooms. Security and organization are vital for any agricultural program. These rooms provide a safe place to store expensive tack, valuable feed, and other equipment, keeping everything organized, dry, and protected from pests and the elements.
- Open-Air Stalls for Optimal Animal Health: The second part of this hybrid design features 16 open-air stalls. This section is covered by a gable roof, which allows for maximum airflow and abundant natural light—two of the most important factors for maintaining healthy livestock. Constant ventilation helps reduce respiratory issues and heat stress, creating a comfortable environment for the animals year-round.
- Buckeye Stall Fronts and Dividers: To ensure the stalls could accommodate the diverse needs of the students’ projects, we used FCP’s renowned Buckeye wire stall fronts and dividers. These components offer superior durability and safety. The wire mesh design provides excellent visibility for monitoring animals while maintaining secure separation. This versatility means the stalls can comfortably house everything from chickens and goats to larger livestock like swine and horses, giving students a wide range of options for their SAE projects.
Empowering the Next Generation of Agriculturists
This new hybrid livestock barn is more than just a building; it’s a launchpad for student success. It provides the physical infrastructure necessary for students who may not have access to land at home to fully participate in hands-on agricultural education.
By raising and caring for an animal, students gain firsthand experience in budgeting, marketing, and time management. They learn the dedication it takes to see a project through from start to finish. These are vital entrepreneurial skills that will benefit them in any career path they choose. The DEHS barn ensures that these learning opportunities are available to all students, regardless of where they live.
Partner with Coffman Barns for Your Project
The Desert Edge High School project is a perfect example of how a custom-designed hybrid livestock barn can solve complex challenges and create incredible opportunities. As a leading contractor and authorized FCP Barns dealer, Coffman Barns has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re an educational institution, a commercial operation, or a private owner, we can design and build a structure that meets your specific needs for durability, function, and animal welfare.
We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this project and to support the future of agriculture in Arizona.
To learn more about the amazing work being done at Desert Edge High School, or to get involved and become a supporter of the agricultural program, please visit their webpage at https://sites.google.com/a/aguafria.org/desert-edge-hs-agriculture-education-ffa/de-ffa-alumni-supporters
Ready to Build Your Dream Barn or Equine Facility?
Coffman Barns, your trusted partner in excellence, like the DEHS hybrid livestock barn project
As an authorized dealer of FCP Barns, Coffman Barns brings decades of combined expertise to every equestrian facility construction project. Our partnership with FCP Barns means you get the best of both worlds: innovative design capabilities and time-tested construction methods that have proven successful across thousands of installations.
We understand that your ranch or equine facility represents more than just a building—it’s your animals’ home. That’s why our approach to equestrian housing construction emphasizes collaboration from concept to completion. We listen to your vision, assess your needs, and design solutions that exceed expectations while staying within budget.
Don’t settle for ordinary when extraordinary is within reach. Contact Coffman Barns today to discuss your barn or equestrian facility construction needs. Let us help you create a structure where dreams are realized, and excellence becomes the standard.
Authorized Dealer: FCP Barns and Buildings (DEHS Hybrid Livestock Barn Project)
Serving the equestrian industry, from design to installation, Coffman Barns is among the elite modular barns, equestrian facilities, and building contractors, and one of the very few that provide complete turnkey services. With hybrid barn construction projects like this, it’s easy to see why leading equestrian professionals choose Coffman Barns.
Whether it is a hybrid barn like DEHS hybrid livestock barn project, or the largest equine facility, Coffman Barns and FCP have the perfect turnkey solution for you. Get started today by contacting us at 1-(844) 4URBARN.
Want to see more education barn projects by Coffman Barns? Click here Holbrook Indian School Project.
FCP Features & Benefits – DEHS Hybrid Livestock Barn Project
Fire Safety
Steel is naturally resistant to fire making steel structures safer than traditional wood or other combustible materials. The steel-lined wall panels and dividers in our barns prevent fire spread making them darn near fireproof. Something every horse owner can appreciate.
Kick-Proof & Chew-Proof
Steel-lined wall panels provide the confidence and safety features that your horses will not be able to kick through the stall walls which can cause injury, or digest harmful bacteria harboring wood and splinters.
Low Maintenance, Safe Environment
Non-bacteria-harboring wall panels are low maintenance and are easily sanitized to prevent disease. No sharp edges or rusty nails – means no cuts, pulled manes, or tails.
Confidence in Builder
Coffman Barns has become a trusted name in the industry by providing its customers honest, knowledgeable representation, premium products, with exemplary service at a competitive price to fit its customers’ dreams and budgets.
Backed by the FCP Brand Name
America’s “Best-Built” modular, prefabricated barns and buildings. Proudly made in America since 1982, FCP Barns and Buildings include an industry-leading warranty.
The Coffman Barns Advantage
Professional Contractor Since 1983
Horse Barn, Equestrian Facilities, Agricultural Buildings, and Multi-Purpose Metal Buildings.
Coffman Barns is a trusted name in the industry. With the hands-on equine experience and the reputation and integrity of Coffman Barns on your team, you’re assured to have the best experience throughout the entire project, no matter what size. Contact us for your design consultant and general contractor needs.
