THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA include traditional wood siding with a modern juxtaposition of vertical wood and steel cladding, and zero-overhang standing seam metal roof. “This 160 years old dusty, draughty and inefficient house was successfully transformed into a comfortable, quiet, healthy and durable home built to last for generations to come,” James says. To make the best use of the compact property, Frontiers Design Build worked within the original farmhouse footprint while transforming the interior to suit modern living. They designed the open-concept layout to maximize flow and natural light, with exposed original ceiling timber framing and open-rise stairs creating vertical spaciousness. Strategic placement of functional zones – such as the kitchen, living, and dining areas – made the main floor feel expansive without increasing the footprint. “On a tight lot, every square foot was considered – outdoor access, views, and privacy were optimized to suit the rural village setting while preserving the intimate character of the site,” James explains. “The result is a space that feels far larger than its modest size suggests.” Though the renovation stands out for its highperformance transformation of a “near-collapsing” 1860s farmhouse, none of the innovative and energy-efficient features were implemented without regard for aesthetic appeal. In addition to being comfortable and efficient, the renovated home is also beautiful – architectural elements like a floating steel staircase, flush-mount air returns, and custom millwork all work to elevate the design, and they all integrate seamlessly within the historic structure. “Reclaiming a failing structure while achieving such a high level of performance is a rare accomplishment, blending modern building science with heritage preservation,” James says. “Almost nothing remained but the foundation, yet the home was carefully rebuilt to respect its original footprint and character,” he elaborates. “Where possible, original timbers were preserved and highlighted within the new structure. The design blends modern elements with rustic textures to create a continuous dialogue between old and new.” “Modern insulation and air barriers were invisibly layered into the building envelope, maintaining the character of the original home while vastly improving performance,” he continues. “The seamless integration of old-world materials and contemporary detailing creates a unified space that feels both rooted and reimagined.”
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