The clients were a couple close to retirement that were living in Georgia and looking for a retreat from the summer heat. They have plans to build a main house in the future but wanted a small space that could work for extended stays but that could ultimately be turned into the guest house so it need not have excessive space that will ultimately be provided for in the main house.

The design for this project put the bulk of the living space on the second floor. The primary bedroom, kitchen and living area as well as built in bunkbeds are on the second floor. A second bedroom and bathroom were placed on the first floor. The remainder of the barn was left open to allow for storage of cars or equipment as necessary and to provide ample room for woodworking.

While the storage space on the first floor is not heated, it is insulated. The clients built all of the interior cabinetry and some of the furniture themselves and having that space insulated moderates the temperature during the cold months and allows for that space to be used throughout more of the year.