EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Merrimack Valley

Old style architecture mixes with modern day consciousness

By Drake Lucas
Staff writer
Published: June 17, 2008

NORTH ANDOVER — Rolling Ridge Retreat Center Director Larry Peacock has changed to energy efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and has a cardboard recycling box in the kitchen.

Now he is looking to make some bigger environmentally-friendly changes at the retreat center.

Peacock is working with Mostue and Associates Architects to look at changes such as new windows, updating the heating system and installing solar panels as ways to not only save money, but fulfill the center's mission.

"This is such a beautiful and sacred property," he said. "We have a mission to care for people and care for the earth. We ought to live it and show it is possible."

The project is not without challenges because the building is 80 years old and was not built with modern energy efficiency in mind. The 38-acre estate, originally built in the 1920s, sits on Lake Cochichewick. The original owner was millionaire Ethan Allen. The Methodist church bought it as a retreat in 1948, and it has been used for both religious and nonreligious retreats and events since.

The estate itself has three historical buildings, something architect Iric Rex is trying to work with instead of against.

"There is a logic to old buildings and how they make comfortable interiors," Rex said. "When we start, we spend a full day trying to understand the building."

Rex said the other trick of historical buildings is to install cutting edge technology without having the modern updates take away from the historical look and feel. That means finding spaces to hide new pipes and wiring, and replacing old radiators and heating elements with something that still fits in with the look.

The changes also mean a hefty expense. Replacing 97 windows has a price tag of around $75,000. Solar panels for one of the three buildings are estimated at $28,000. And changing from a radiator to gas or other heating could cost $380,000.

Rex said the trade-off in cost is the savings in efficiency. A smaller heater can be put in a building that is better insulated and water use can be cut dramatically with low-flow toilets and showers. He said he has seen savings of up to 75 percent in energy bills for older buildings. He said the average is closer to 50 percent.

Peacock said cost will be an important factor in which changes are made and when they are made. The plan for energy efficiency fits into a larger master plan to renovate and expand the center.

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