NET ZERO HISTORIC BARN DENNIS VILLAGE RIBBON CUTTING →

We’re looking forward to the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated APCC Net Zero historic barn in Dennis Village this Friday, May9th. Here is a look back at the project from start to finish!

About the project:

Local environment advocacy group the non-profit Association to Preserve Cape Cod wanted to repurpose the historic barn on their Dennis campus.  The original post and beam barn built in the late 1900s, approximately 30'-0" x 36'-0", and sitting on a rubble foundation. A3 proposed  transforming the barn into a modern net-energy zero double height classroom with lab space in the walkout basement and offices on the 2nd floor. The barn was lifted and set down on a new foundation.

Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village Exterior View

Exterior of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village

Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village Main Interior Space

Interior of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village

Historic photo of Barn in Dennis Village

Historic Photo of the Historic Barn in Dennis Village

Existing Interior Loft of Historic Barn in Dennis Village

Existing framing of the Historic Barn in Dennis Village

Existing Historic Dennis Village Barn Lifted for new foundation

Historic Barn in Dennis Village lifted and set back down on a new poured concrete foundation.

The Process

A3 proposed  transforming the barn into a modern net-energy zero double height classroom with lab space in the walkout basement and offices on the 2nd floor. The barn was lifted and set down on a new foundation.

Historic Dennis Village Existing framing and new framed offices

Existing antique framing & new framed 2nd floor offices at Historic Dennis Village Barn

Historic Dennis Village Barn existing roof framing and new new framing at second floor loft

View of existing antique roof framing at Historic Dennis Village Barn

The existing framing with layers of salt and white paint was largely in good shape. We knew that we wanted to highlight this historic post and beam framing and thus decided to add insulation to the exterior with high performance SIPS panels (structural insulated panels). New windows and doors along the front (facing 6A) and south provide natural lighting and passive solar gain.  We added a metal roof with solar panels to get to net-zero. 

Existing Historic Dennis Village Barn on new full foundation and existing sheating

Exterior of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village - Existing sheathing remained in place

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn with exterior Sips Panels installed

Exterior of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village - Exterior insulated SIPS panels installed

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn with new triple glazed windows and new exterior cedar shingles

New triple glazed Mathews Brothers Windows and new dipped cedar shingles at the Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn

The ResultS

The new space is a unique mix of historic post and beam framing and wood floors/ceilings with modern interventions for new framing/windows, railing and solar to create a multi-purpose space ideal for educational programs and more! The high performance barn will hopefully be a gathering spot for APCC programming for the next 100 years.  We look forward to seeing the natural landscaping with local plants complementing the barn on the site.

Exterior of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn - Main Entrance

View from Loft of Net Zero Historic Barn Dennis Village

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn - Main gathering space

Main Space of Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn looking towards stair and Steve Swain Fish Vortex Light

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn - Stair to loft

Second Floor Office with mix of existing exposed barn framing and new framed plaster wall at Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn - 2nd floor office

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn exterior view of south elevation

Net Zero Historic Dennis Village Barn - South elevation

Project Team