Case Study · Private Residence · Monsey, NY
Into the barn
A reef aquarium lifted by crane over the roofline, then brought to life in a reclaimed-wood room.
- System
- Reef aquarium set into a reclaimed-wood wall
- Setting
- Barn-style private residence, Monsey, NY
- The challenge
- Craned in through an upper-level door
- Timeline
- March – November 2020
A reef with no easy way in
The aquarium was destined for a barn-style room upstairs, with rustic reclaimed wood, exposed beams and lounge seating built around the view. There was no route through the house large enough for the glass.
So the tank went over the top: lifted by crane past the barn's turret and walked in through an upper-level door.
01 · The lift
March 3, 2020
The crane set up on the drive, and the crated tank rose slowly past the roofline toward the upper door.
02 · At the door
March 3, 2020
Our crew caught the crate at the opening and guided it inside by hand, inch by inch.
03 · Into the room
March 3, 2020
Inside, the wrapped glass was rolled across the room on dollies and eased up onto its steel stand.
04 · Set and level
March 3, 2020
By the end of the day the tank stood in place against the reclaimed-wood wall, ready to be plumbed, filled and aquascaped.
05 · The reef
November 2020
Eight months later, the reef glows in the wood wall: live rock, corals and fish in constant motion, framed like a window in the barn.
06 · Life up close
2020 – 2021
As the reef matured, the corals grew into the rockwork and color filled the tank.
