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Net Zero Historic barn dennis village

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. 

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.  

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.

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