Many of our clients have sought to provide a new role for the
historic barns and outbuildings that so define our changing rural
landscape. They have turned to Landmark Services, Inc. for the
experience and the dedication to the thoughtful, effective restoration
of the original historic fabric that connects us so strongly to these
structures. Whether the project consists of historic preservation of a
structure intended to continue in an agricultural or similar
utilitarian role or a barn conversion to a residential or finished
commercial purpose, we will strive to meet the current needs of the
client while maintaining the lasting imprint of the original builders
in the work.
The
old dairy barn pictured here had suffered from lack of use and from
prolonged neglect, including structural damage. Sills and other
structural framing members which had deteriorated through exposure to
harsh New England weather and were repaired. The building was then
re-roofed, with asphalt shingles on the older, original sections and
metal roofing on the more modern wing. Doors and windows were addressed
next. Fortunately, most of the windows were repairable; those that were
not were replaced by reproduction sash produced in our shop. Likewise,
while we were able to repair most of the doors, there were three sets
which were beyond repair. We fabricated perfect reproductions,
including a pair of hayloft doors that each measure four feet wide and
ten feet tall and new curved trim. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew
spent several weeks repairing and replacing the clapboard siding and
trim. The project was finally brought to completion after the painting
crew scraped, sanded, and painted the entire building.
A
mid-nineteenth century barn in Littleton, MA had long since outlived
its function. The solution proposed by the owners was a complete
rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the barn, transforming it into a
commercial office space. The project was monitored by the Massachusetts
Historical Commission for eligibility to receive federal tax credits
for Historic Rehabilitations. From the moment work began, care was
taken to maintain as much of the original exterior appearance of the
barn as possible. To help accomplish this goal, all new doors and
windows were fabricated in our shop to replicate the originals. The
original barn door opening was filled with rows of glazing. The slate
roof was repaired and the siding and trim was repaired and painted. The
interior received new mechanical systems, insulation, plaster,
woodwork, and flooring--it is now a modern office space within a
historic building.
Some of our other barn projects include a
Greek Revival renovation in Medway, MA, in which the attached barn was
converted to living space, the restoration of the barn at the Forbes
House Museum in Milton, MA, and yet another barn renovation in Milton.
Since 1991, Landmark Services, Inc.
has worked with clients who understand the value and importance of
preserving our unique historic architectural legacy. Barns are a
specialty of ours and we take particular satisfaction in working with
their particular scale and presence. We have developed a special skill
set and approach to these projects, whether furnishing structural or
timber frame repairs, new standing seam sheet metal roofs, slate
repairs or relaying the original "dry laid" stone foundations. Not all
these buildings can remain in agriculture, and we are glad to be able
to give some of them a new life as homes or businesses, merging
historic materials with the latest technology to preserve their
character, while providing modern conveniences, energy efficiency, and
comfort. Our skills and dedication to the preservation of these unique
structures has produced many satisfying, successful projects. Make us
accountable for the success of your important historic project barn
restoration project, large or small.We've been restoring and renovating
barns to since we started in the business almost 20 years ago. Some
have remained as functioning barns while others we have converted into
office space or homes. Old barns, with their hand hewn timber frames,
can make dramatic and beautiful homes. At Landmark Services, we have
experience with all phases of barn work including timber frame repair,
best practices for insulating them, to fitting out the interiors. Give
us a call today to discuss your barn project. We'd love to help!