Hello, I have not seen the information that I need so I wanted to ask if anyone has any pointers to books, online, suppliers or other reference on building a thermal envelope inside an existing structure.  In this case, I have a 18'x28' (500ft2) barn first floor that I want to convert into a heated space with bathroom and kitchen.  I have installed the septic and plumbing fixture drains and vents and next is to pour the slab with pex embedded on top of gravel and foam.   I can't find much information on what to do next to get super insulated walls and ceilings.  The DOE website and SIP approach is helpful but I don't need the structure since I will be using the existing barn walls and ceiling.  I'm thinking about building out the walls and ceilings with 2x4s, cover the interior with  some type of washable (vinyl?) covering and  finish by blowing in cellulose in between all the finish and barn exterior.  Any other ideas appreciated.  I live in central PA, about 6500 heating degree days.

Thanks,

Dave,
You don't give much detail about the type of construction used to build your barn. If we are talking a standard pole barn type construction, then there are several options that can be considered depending on your exact situation.
A little more detail would be most helpful.

The barn is post and beam, but the posts sit on a stone foundation.  The beams are about 4 ft apart and the ceiling of the first floor is about 9ft 6" from the floor.  The sides are boarded with 1" thick vertical hemlock barn boards.  There are no battens so it is quite drafty in the winter.  It's a solid structure, no rot.  What methods have others used to build a shell inside a barn?  I would like to get as much interior space but have a reasonable well insulated space.

Dave,

I encourage you to study the following website: http://www.polycorecanada.com/

Most of our projects are structural building envelopes, but we do have Retrofit insulation products. We can provide you with EPS insulation of any thickness (4R/inch) to fit between your beams. We can also manufacture you interior wall panels with pre-cut electrical chases (horizontal and vertical) and light gauge interior steel studs embedded at 16" or 24" o/c.

I am sure that with a little more information we can work with you to design something that will be cost effective and meet your needs. Feel free to check out the website or PM me for additional information.

Lance

Dave, I sent you a PM about your barn insulation.

Have you concidered spray foam. I used 2" of closed cell foam on my pole barn. I got r-14 and .66 ACH (air changes per hour).