Historic Farmstead Transformed

Preservation and Restoration

Barns and Farms

Saved from subdivision development neighbor and owner Chris Barensfeld, this historic land and buildings were preserved not only history, but permaculture and community. This 10-year project for BNA included structures ranging from early 18th century structures to late 18th century barns, including its 1790 farmhouse, 1858 carriage house, and 1860 cow barn. BNA designed, constructed and brought the whole of ifarm into the 21st century. Today, under this keen stewardship of our client, and the exemplary architectural expertise of BNA, ifarm is now home and campus of the non-profit Merrowhawke Nature School – built for modern day environmentalists and future stewards of nature.

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This historic land and buildings were saved from subdivision development when neighbor and owner Chris Barensfeld purchased the property in hopes of preserving not only history, but permaculture and community. This 10-year project for BNA included structures ranging from early 18th century structures to late 18th century barns, including its 1790 farmhouse, 1858 carriage house, and 1860 cow barn. BNA designed and constructed a new addition connected to the original farmhouse, with expanded kitchen space and wood fired cook stove, and a new farm equipment storage barn bringing the whole of ifarm into the 21st century. Today, under this keen stewardship of owner/client and the exemplary architectural expertise of Ben/BNA, ifarm is now home and campus of the non-profit Merrowhawke Nature School – built for modern day environmentalists and future stewards of nature.