The Spy sat down recently with John Hutchison of Chesapeake Architects to discuss his award winning project, the remodeling of the Tulane Barn in Princeton, NJ. The dairy barn, built in the 1880’s, was converted to a residence in the 1980’s, but by the time new owners purchased the property in 2008, it was in need of considerable work.
[slideshow id=97]Hutchison said that they basically gutted the whole inside of the building, and started from scratch. The new owners wanted to expose as much of the historic architecture as possible, and yet reduce the energy costs of heating and cooling such a huge open space. It took him a year to work out all the details. He designed five primary living spaces, each thermally isolated from each other. The interior windows were set at head level and above to let in light, but preserve privacy. The addition of new stairs and bridges connecting the living spaces within the massive floor trusses was a big challenge. Hutchinson stated that without 3D design software, he would not have been able to be as creative – as he could then work out the ductwork, plumbing and code issues. The entire roof was insulated with four inches of spray foam, giving it an R rating of above 30, then covered with drywall between the rafters. The interior walls were insulated as well. The cedar roof was replaced with slate tiles, which are good for 50 years. The energy costs have been cut in half.
Initially, the owners were only interested in redoing the master suite, giving him a budget of $250, 000; Hutchison gave them the option of renovating the whole barn for $800,000, which they decided to accept. The project was divided into two phases: master suite, kitchen and roof first, guest suite section second. It took two years to complete, with the owners in residence the whole time, moving from one side to the other to accommodate the contractors. Hutchison credits the owners with much of the success of the project, as they were very “hands- on.” He added that they used a different contractor for each phase, which helped keep costs within the budget, and that they were constantly mindful of cost-benefit ratios.
Most unfortunately, the owners relocated to the west coast shortly after completion of the project, and were able to enjoy their newly renovated home only briefly. However, even in this market, there was a bidding war over the house, and it was sold in two months.
The Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded Hutchison a Merit Award for Architectural Excellence for the Tulane Barn remodeling, commenting, “We enjoy this project for the respect it shows for existing structure, yet it is unafraid to contrast the older structure with new and exciting architectural elements.”
Hutchison grew up in Talbot County, studied architecture at Temple University, apprenticed with Peter Newlin and Chesapeake Architects, then moved to Philadelphia to work on larger projects, later opening his own firm outside of Princeton. He has since returned to the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Architects, who confirm that they are, “…mighty happy to have him back !”
Kevin Shertz says
From one colleague to another…. congratulations, John. Nice work.
John Hutchison says
Thank you, Kevin! This was truly a very fun project. A great team effort for all involved!
Jeffery St. Francis says
It’s sad to see truly a great old barn turned into a up dated nightmare, who puts the stairs in front of a window ? Yes, bathrooms and kitchens do need to be up dated. But I guess when one see’s a sucker. All that money should have been put into adding a other garage then keeping the current two. Shopping for windows let me pick one out at 563 there’s a handful. I guess it’s bragging rights to see how much one can do to a project then what’s right or fitting to the situation. I don’t thing This Old House would have handle this project in this manner. I sadden by the project, when they say never look back at a house you lived for 7 years they are so right.