How Gibbet Hill Grill Stayed Open During Expansion

Imagine expanding an old barn restaurant to match the original, all while keeping it open. This was the task that Existing Conditions tackled in partnership with Studio Troika.

Our long-standing collaboration and 3D laser scanning technology helped make the project a success. Discover how our expertise and teamwork made this impressive transformation possible.

RELATED: Click here to learn more about our work with hospitality projects.

History of Gibbet Hill Grill

Gibbet Hill, named after an English hill, features a farmhouse built in 1690 by John Lawrence. In 1906, General William Bancroft began constructing a retirement home there but didn't complete it. The property changed hands several times, serving various purposes. This included a private sanitarium in 1918 and a tuberculosis hospital in the 1920s.

Post-World War II, Marion Campbell bought the farm, later breeding Black Angus cattle. In 2000, Steven Webber purchased the land to prevent development. By 2004, the Webber siblings opened Gibbet Hill Grill and a function facility. This has emphasized the restaurant’s farm-to-fork philosophy.

Why Studio Troika Selected Existing Conditions

Jesus Bravo, Operations Director at Existing Conditions pictured on-site utilizing the Leica RTC360.

Studio Troika has collaborated with Existing Conditions for nearly 15 years. Rather than using traditional methods, they leverage our cutting-edge 3D laser scanning technology. The firm adopted 3D laser scanning early on, recognizing our services save time and money. This led Studio Troika’s Jonathan MacPhee, Partner, and Jordan Bradley, Associate Principal to select Existing Conditions to work on this project in 2016.

“We greatly value the high quality and accuracy of the data provided by Existing Conditions. We have complete confidence in it and consistently encourage our clients to accept your proposals” - Jordan Bradley, Associate Principal of Studio Troika.

Scope of Work Evolution at Gibbet Hill Grill

Gibbet Hill Grill before construction. PHOTO: Studio Troika

An interior design firm called the Niemitz Design Group selected Studio Troika to partner on this project. They initially contacted Jonathan, as they were already in touch with the restaurant owners, the Webbers. The restaurant had a loyal following, but it suffered from formal seating arrangements.

The Webbers envisioned an expansion including a large bar and casual booth seating. The goal was to create a more informal atmosphere. Additionally, there was a need for a waiting area since it was common for guests to wait for their seats.

Studio Troika knew they could handle the expansion, which required both interior designers for the finishes and exterior architects for the structural designs. The project began in the fall of 2016, with construction scheduled from late November through March 2017.

Due to the Webber's clear vision from the start, Studio Troika completed the designs quickly and efficiently. The project proceeded smoothly during the winter, and Studio Troika was pleased with the outcome.

RELATED: Explore the full story behind the creative problem-solving that brought the Gibbet Hill Grill expansion to life—read this blog now to see how Studio Troika turned challenges into a seamless expansion!

The Challenge

On-site photo of the Leica RTC360.

Before starting the laser scan, the Studio Troika team visited the site and observed that the walls on the front and side of the barn had slight tilts. These imperfections required accurate documentation because they could cause issues during the design and construction phases.

Coordinating access to the building was critical to the success of our work. Existing Conditions carefully planned around the restaurant’s schedule. Our team found a time that would allow us to capture the necessary data without interfering with the farm’s operations.

The Solution

Construction documents of Gibbet Hill Grill by Studio Troika.

To address the challenges posed by the old barn's irregular structure, Existing Conditions utilized state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning equipment to capture every detail, including the slight tilts in the walls. This scan was crucial for creating an accurate 3D Revit model of the restaurant. The model provided Studio Troika with the necessary information to carefully plan the expansion, ensuring it would blend smoothly with the existing structure.

Chronological timeline of construction. PHOTOS: Studio Troika

The laser scan also helped the team anticipate potential construction issues by revealing the building's imperfections. With this detailed information, they could design the expansion to account for these irregularities. The project team avoided problems that might have arisen during construction. The ability to plan reduced the risk of mistakes and ensured the project would be successful.

Studio Troika has completed nearly a thousand projects with Existing Conditions, relying on our 3D point cloud data to capture the unique details of buildings.

“Many buildings are unique and not as perfectly aligned as our drawings suggest. To address this, we select Existing Conditions to document the imperfections with point cloud scans, ensuring our clients receive results that minimize change orders and surprises during construction. We highly value the accuracy provided by these scans” - Jordan Bradley, Associate Principal of Studio Troika.

For this project, the scan provided the accuracy needed to make sure the expansion looked like it had always been part of the barn. By identifying and addressing potential challenges early, the team was able to deliver a design that met the Webber’s needs while preserving the integrity of the historic structure.

RELATED: Architectural Survey Companies: Leveraging Expertise for Building Success

How This Project Was Unique

This project was unique because Studio Troika had to expand the barn and make it look like it was always part of the original structure. Studio Troika needed the materials to match, and the roofs and walls to fit together. If you look at the photo below, you can see they achieved just that!

Gibbet Hill Grill today! PHOTO: Sabrina Cole Quinn

At the same time, the restaurant had to stay open for guests during the whole renovation, even though it was winter and no events were happening. The work included foundations and additions to their cold room. By scanning the restaurant, Studio Troika could phase the project accordingly so it could stay open.

Guests could still visit, and while you could see construction, the front door and exits were always accessible. The restaurant kept running smoothly. Studio Troika managed this with Existing Conditions’ accurate 3D Revit model.

Where Gibbet Hill Grill Stands Now

New Gibbet Hill Grill bar. PHOTO: Sabrina Cole Quinn

The restaurant is fully operational and has been for some time. Jordan Bradley highly recommends everyone visit to try their food, explore the space, and enjoy the venue! The views are fantastic, the space is unique, and the food is delicious. They are open and ready for business!

Gibbet Hill Grill has also officially expanded the bar area. If you prefer informal seating, you can sit at the bar, which has about 36 seats. It's a large bar with booth seating along the windows offering great views. There is also more formal seating available in the back.

Additionally, there is a silo attached to the barn where you can dine. With all this in mind, be sure to visit Gibbet Hill Grill and enjoy a meal!

About the Client Studio Troika

Headshot of Jordan Bradley. PHOTO: Studio Troika

Jordan Bradley is an Associate Principal at Studio Troika. Jordan serves as a project manager and designer for architectural projects. Studio Troika, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an architecture, interior, and planning firm. They handle many commercial and residential projects in Boston and Maine, including renovations, additions, and new constructions.

On the commercial side, Studio Troika specializes in workplace design for law firms and other companies, mainly in Boston. They also focus on hospitality design, with projects for clients like Trillium Brewing and Boston Beer Company. Additionally, they work with biotech firms in lab spaces throughout Boston, Waltham, and Worcester. One unique aspect of their work is designing high-tech dental practices.

Learn from Our Success at Gibbet Hill Grill

Inspired by our work at Gibbet Hill Grill? Start your project with the same level of precision and expertise. With over 25 years of experience, Existing Conditions delivers accurate as-built drawings and detailed existing condition surveys to help you navigate complex projects. Contact us today to see how our experience, equipment, and expertise can provide the reliable data you need for your next successful project.