Platt Builders 

Groton, Mass. 
plattbuilders.com

Location: Carlisle, Mass. | Project Cost: $612,000
Square Footage before: 6,141 | Square Footage after: 6,266

In anticipation of aging in place, the client wanted to create a second floor accessory apartment that a live-in caregiver could one day occupy. In order to add this above the existing lower level of their barn, the team had to expand, reinforce, insulate, and otherwise retrofit the building. the client also wanted a very well air-sealed envelope and full insulation package that would reduce ongoing expenses and allow the apartment to be heated with only a heat pump. The barn was loved because it was where they were married over thirty years ago. They enclosed the second floor and built out a 2-bedroom apartment with loft, kitchen, and one bathroom within the shell of the structure — all while accommodating the needs of this active family. 

Their wish list also included stone cladding on the exterior, attached shed storage, a lean-to greenhouse, recycled materials for landscaping pathways. The clients are also very active so having storage for their kayaks, bikes, and other toys was extremely important to them. Owners of two electric vehicles, the old barn needed upgraded electrical to charge them the team added a new 400-amp service. A new water and sewer connection was also necessary for the apartment kitchen and bathroom. The clients wanted the building to be well-insulated but did not want to use foam because of the environmental impacts and concerns about volatile agents from the foam so the team developed solutions to accommodate those concerns.

Products:

Insulation: Roxsul
Windows: Pella