Farmhouse Renovation
A Farmhouse in Kimberton
We love the balance and common sense of old homes. We like
antique details and modern amenities; quiet corners, open floorplans;
family gatherings, and "me" space. Energy efficiency, lots of daylight and views,
solar energy whenever we can.
We like the term “adaptive reuse.” We demo-ed the 1960s
addition, salvaged all the lumber, built on its footprint, and went up one
story to create the master suite. We
captured the best views and brought in tons of daylight. The kitchen and eating areas on
the first floor were reconfigured to flow directly outdoors. All areas of the farmhouse were
made accessible with circulation around both sides of the central stairway. A mudroom and laundry were placed
logically where the family went to and from the garage and yard. A more
“formal” entrance for guests (and clean feet) was made accessible to the driveway via a
stone patio and perennial garden. A window at the top of the central stairway became the doorway to the
master suite. Thick, super-insulated walls and ultra-high-efficiency electric heat pumps made this farmhouse very affordable to heat and cool. With a future Solar
Electric system across the yard and behind the garage, it will be a Net-Zero
energy home.
