Little Barn: Building off Legacy

Abstract

Little Barn: Building off Legacy, is the adaptive reuse of a small 1990s barn on a multigenerational family property. The project transforms the barn into a restorative environment for those caring for aging relatives in a rural setting. By inserting a new interior within the existing structure, the design creates spaces for refuge, creativity, and rest that support the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. Grounded in adaptive reuse strategies and informed by Attention Restoration (ART) and Stress Reduction (SRT) theories, the project explores how existing built environments can enhance well-being and sustain intergenerational living in rural America.