This project was intended to be proof that you could cost-effectively integrate sustainable design into the oldest existing buildings while preserving and renovating them to provide the modern amenities expected. The result embodies the highest principles of sustainability, preservation, and creative interior design. Combined with a design/build approach, we delivered an environmentally responsible, healthy, and enchanting historic farmstead for generations to come. This 280 year-old farmstead has been reborn after undergoing an extensive renovation with a new conservatory kitchen addition, sustainable and elegant interior finishes and new systems throughout for MEP, including power from a new off-grid solar/battery system.

Listed on the Historic Register, the Holcombe house is one of the oldest in Hunterdon and under protective easement on the entire exterior, interior first floor and 7 acre site is a State archaeological site. Built over centuries, historic elements include the original 1744 colonial-syle, 2-story stone section with 15’ walk-in fireplace, 1811 Georgian-style, 2-story, 5-room addition, and 1890’s-1920’s wood additions adding kitchen, mudroom and Italianate wrap-around porch on the first floor and two bathrooms on the second. Our preservation approach was to treat each section individually and restore them to their appropriate period rather than picking an arbitrary time not appropriate to the distinct sections.

Preservation efforts included repointing15" thick stone walls, insulating and replacing all roofing, repairing windows, repointing and stabilizing the massive 15' walk-in fireplace, and removing historically incorrect elements added over time like plaster on the stone and a door to the front porch where there should have been a 9/6 window. Water was leaking from attic to basement when purchased at auction after being abandoned for 12 years. The 15’ fireplace was collapsing due to crumbling mortar. Original single-pane wood windows were either inoperable, damaged or deteriorated beyond repair. Thankfully the finishes in the stone sections only required refinishing as the original fabric of the plaster, trim, windows, doors, hardware and floors were salvageable. Everything in the wood frame additions was a complete gut to the studs unfortunately due to the extent of damage and deterioration, but presented a wonderful sustainable interior design opportunity.