Jim Shackelford

Adaptive Reuse: Barn Conversion

In this freshman studio, students converted an old barn on a historically significant property in Cambridge, MA, into a residence. The clients, a widowed professional musician, and their six-year-old child were seeking a fresh start through this renovation and relocation to the countryside.

Topics covered through lectures, discussions, and project application included: 

  • Biophilic design and interior-exterior connections 
  • Acoustic privacy 
  • Adaptive reuse principles
  • Investigation of historic preservation guidelines
  • FF&E curation with an emphasis on sustainable materials and finishes

Kessler Forest Home

Folk Inspired Barn Renovation

Note: Students’ names are redacted for privacy purposes.