This 1848 farmhouse built from hemlock wood was in a very bad state and in need of urgent action. The restoration of the farmhouse and the building of an addition were the basis of the project by McKean Architecture. The addition is a simple rectilinear volume clad in recycled timber and FSC- certified cedar. The rough wood siding is vertical to contrast with the well- finished horizontal siding of the original farmhouse. With the passing of time, the two surfaces will take on a more uniform appearance, which will cause the two volumes to blend visually. The addition has a frame made of glued laminated timber (glulam) and structural insulated panels (SIPs). The glass also features a high degree of insulation. The placement of the windows of the farmhouse and the addition produce good cross ventilation, and the double-height windows let plenty of light enter the house. The varnishes and paints used to restore the timber and floors have low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.

(extract from Cristina Paredes Benitez, Alex Sanchez Vidiella “Small ECO House- Living Green in Style”, Universe Publishing, 2010. Pag.288)