100-Year-Old Cottage, 21st Century Remodel

On the second floor, the plan called for beefing up the insulation and carving out two proper baths. But as the design-build team contemplated the challenge of opening up walls and ceilings, it became apparent that it would be easier to replace than renew. They were able to save the old pine floors while erecting walls filled with spray-foam insulation. And once they got that far, they realized, it would be easy to cap the second floor with a low-ceilinged attic playroom.