Retreat Center/Barn Conversion, Northfield, Vermont

A non-profit retreat center is located on a farm in Northfield, Vermont. The property has several barns, and the old horse barn was chosen for the center's first renovation. The three-story structure has a children's area in the walk-out cellar; a gift shop, meal room, and lavatories on the main floor, and a meeting room on the upper floor.

Most of the horse barn was preserved; it did not need to be insulated because the center closes during the winter. New floors and walls were added where necessary, and the entire interior was scoured with sand to make the surfaces more uniform.

The project features composting toilets and a greywater storage system for an adjacent greenhouse. The doors and woodwork were locally made. All finishes are ecologically sound.


back to Public Places page


© copyright Sandra Vitzthum all rights reserved | photography © copyright Carolyn Bates all rights reserved