| Remodeler: Orion General Contractors Haverford, Pa. Architect: Archer & Buchanan Architecture West Chester, Pa. |
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| Orion General Contractors used "110 percent" of the original structure in remodeling this vintage barn, even going so far as using stones from the original foundation as a veneer on the new foundation. After photos by Christy Giugliano, Orion General Contractors |
Reusing to go Green
Reuse is one of the most important tenets of green remodeling. With that in mind, this reclaimed barn turned retreat seems the very embodiment of green.
The 176-year-old barn, which was scheduled for demolition, was saved by the clients who decided to move it 45 miles and turn it into a “party house” for guests and entertaining.
Orion had the dual mission of making the barn look as vintage as possible and at the same time incorporating green features. Both goals were helped along by extensive reuse of the original materials, as well as those from other older structures.
“Every piece of wood that came out of there was somehow reused in the new structure,” says Pete Maruca, owner of Orion General Contractors.
Overall, 90 percent of the materials Orion used in the remodel were salvaged from the original barn or other vintage structures. The company used salvaged materials for almost the entire interior structure, along with 24 windows and all but one interior and exterior door. Orion fabricated the kitchen island countertop from a slate patio that was removed to clear space for the barn.
The design team also gave special attention to environmentally friendly choices. The entire structure is insulated with spray foam. Radiant heating, powered by a 97 percent efficient boiler, was used throughout the building. The building is cooled by a two-stage, 21-SEER cooling system. Orion used a low-VOC sealant on the floor, but made limited use of any other coatings throughout the rest of the project.
Reusing materials for a green remodel