Envelope within an envelope: an FM approach to adaptive re-use of redundant barns

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to introduce the innovative concept of “envelope within an envelope” as a tool to give redundant timber farm barns (which may be perceived as uneconomic for adaptation) new life for residential purposes. It aims to outline research that is proposed in order to provide guidelines for conservation/preservation professionals, potential user/occupants, investors and developers. It is based upon current problems existing in the Trentino region of Italy and the state of Michigan in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – After explaining the new concept and its potential for solving current conservation/preservation problems, the paper introduces technical and facilities management (FM) goals for research and development. Within the FM goal a series of objectives are outlined giving a broad methodology to consider user needs, costing, and communication needs for raising awareness. Findings – The concept recognizes traditional conservation/preservation interventions capable of extending the life of a structure while at the same time permitting innovative technology to be introduced to provide modern and sustainable accommodation that will be perceived as economically viable. Originality/value – The concept of “envelope within an envelope” incorporates not only technical elements of conservation/preservation but also behavioral and economic elements arising from the user-orientated emphasis given by the introduction of an FM framework. This improves on the technocratic solutions that are offered by the “structure within a structure” concept. Keywords Architecture, Conservation, Buildings, Italy, United States of America