Platinum Winner: Whole-House Green Remodel

Remodeler: Orion General Contractors Haverford, Pa.  Architect: Archer & Buchanan Architecture West Chester, Pa.

Orion General Contractors used "110 percent" of the original structure in remodeling this vintage barn, even going so far as using stones from the original foundation as a veneer on the new foundation.  After photos by Christy Giugliano, Orion General Contractors

The 176-year-old barn, which was scheduled for demolition, was saved by the clients who decided to move it 45 miles and turn it into a “party house” for guests and entertaining.

Orion had the dual mission of making the barn look as vintage as possible and at the same time incorporating green features. Both goals were helped along by extensive reuse of the original materials, as well as those from other older structures.

“Every piece of wood that came out of there was somehow reused in the new structure,” says Pete Maruca, owner of Orion General Contractors.

The design team also gave special attention to environmentally friendly choices. The entire structure is insulated with spray foam. Radiant heating, powered by a 97 percent efficient boiler, was used throughout the building. The building is cooled by a two-stage, 21-SEER cooling system. Orion used a low-VOC sealant on the floor, but made limited use of any other coatings throughout the rest of the project.

To view a slideshow of all of the 2008 Best of the Best Design Award winners, click here.