Helliwell Cottage

Eastern Shore
Designer: Solterre Design
Contractor: Renovator’s Resource

In 1999, Solterre Design and Renovators Resource reclaimed and repurposed a rural church as a comfortable residence using deconstruction and adaptive reuse principals. Located in New Brunswick, the circa 1860s church was subsequently deconstructed, moved and redeveloped as an energy efficient residence now known as the Helliwell Cottage on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. 

At the time of purchase the church was in danger of collapse due to a failing foundation. The building was deconstructed into six large pieces after removing the plaster and lathe and the Douglas fir interior wall finishes. The six pieces were then transported to the Eastern Shore on a flat bed trailer for reconstruction. 

The building was rebuilt on site using the latest in energy efficient technologies including radiant in-floor heating supplied through solar hot water panels on the roof. Insulation was installed throughout, and a second floor was constructed in the high ceiling of the former church. The Helliwell Cottage project used deconstruction, adaptive reuse and relocation strategies in its development.