Converting a disused agricultural barn into a public assembly-use facility for pre-school children presents a wide array of challanges.  

Water infiltrating through the roof had severely damaged the structure. The staff of Fitzgerald’s Heavy Timber Construction, Inc., worked with engineers and architects to produce this turnkey project.  The conversion of the 45x80 foot barn took FHTC, Inc. approximately fourteen months to complete.

Repairing and updating the structure of the barn, originally built by a Mr. Newcomer, required replacing many pieces of the timber frame; installing two full floors and two loft levels; installing three floor levels as reading rooms in the silo and an observatory at the top; enclosing entire structure with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS); and installing a new standing-seam metal roof.

Before Construction the Barn Was Derelict	Joinery Repairs Under Way
Siding Removed To Access Bent 1 Repairs	Corner Post Replacement
Parlor Level Cribbed Up For Post Repairs	New Summer Beams Going In
One of the Many Tree Posts Laid Out and Cut	New Floor Framing
New Roof Framing Installation	Tree Posts Installed
Block Forebay Wall Removed -- Ready for New Wall to be Built	Roof Heavy Framing Repairs
Roof SIPs Installation	Roof SIPs Installed and New Forebay Wall Constructed
Radiant Heating Tubing Installed Before Floor Slab is Poured	Unique Internal Roof Inside Adjacent Silo
Routing Out Window Opening In Wall SIP	Standing Seam Roof Installed
Interior Nearing Completion -- HVAC, Lights, Fans Installed	Silo Now Houses Round Classrooms
Parlor Level With Tree Posts Now Is a Whimsical Play Area For School Kids	Completed Conversion Of a Bank Barn Into a School

10801 Powell Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788, USA

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