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We recently completed the restoration and renovation of an historic timber frame from Cavendish, Vermont.
The project kicked off when we first visited the frame back in the winter of 2015. We’ve written about this barn frame before, while in the thick of the restoration process, and wanted to deliver the coda now that the project is complete.
The Background
The owners of the frame wanted to save a barn on their property; it was in bad shape and needed to be taken down before it collapsed. We first visited the barn in the winter, dismantled it in the spring, and spent the summer restoring it at the Green Mountain Timber Frames shop.
In late summer, we erected the restored frame on a new foundation.
The Transformation of a Barn
In the pictures below, you can see the entire process – from start to finish. From a wintery day in February when the sagging frame looked tired and in need of some TLC, to the beautiful great room it has become today.
Our first look at the Cavendish barn in Feb 2015
Spring prevails, and dismantling begins!
A look at the last timbered wall section we took down. Once on sawhorses, we popped out each vintage peg, labeled every joint, and disassembled.
Restoration begins at the GMTF shop
The image below shows us adjusting the roof rafters to fit the new design of the great room. We pre-assembled the rafters, applied the original roof boards, carefully labeled each rafter and board, and then dismantled the roof before finally shipping the frame back to its home of origin.
Redesigned frame assembled on a new foundation about 100 yards from where it was first crafted nearly 200 years ago!
After the frame was firmly in place, another general contracting company completed the project – The Severy Brothers of Ludlow, VT. The next two pictures show how they used “SIPs” (structural insulated panels). The panels are fastened to the outside of the frame, which provides superb insulating value while showcasing all of the wooden elements on the interior. In the second picture, you can see the front entry taking shape.
Exterior view of front entry with SIP panels
The re-erected frame, pre fireplace. Note the beautiful ridge beam!
The fireplace was created with stone found on the farm property
Sliding barn door into main house
Large sliding doors capture the beautiful Vermont landscape
Timber porch entry into the great room
It was truly a pleasure to work on this barn frame. We love it when the opportunity arrises to restore a frame while keeping on its original location! Do you have an historic barn on your property that is in need of attention? We would love to see it!
Want to see some other projects we’ve done at Green Mountain Timber Frames?
Check out our completed timber frame projects!
A Blog about Old Barns ~ from Green Mountain Timber Frames 