Restoring the Past, Building the Future

This week, Matt welcomes Mark Bowe (Host of Barnwood Builders), particularly known for his expertise in revitalizing centuries-old buildings while preserving their historical essence. Mark shares his journey from disassembling barns to founding his own business, overcoming hurdles like finding buyers and navigating the industry's intricacies. Since he founded his company in 1995, Mark and his crew have reclaimed more than 500 pioneer-era structures.

They dive into the fine balance between traditional and modern construction methods, and Mark highlights the challenges in meeting evolving building codes and regulations. 

The conversation shifts to the development of a revolutionary house prototype with an R200 insulation rating achieved through unconventional vacuum-sealed wall construction. (Mark and his team just received a patent on the project). Matt and Mark discuss potential benefits of such a design, including enhanced energy efficiency and durability in extreme weather conditions.

Tune in to get to know Mark Bowe and learn his favorite species of wood to reuse in his restoration projects (spoiler: it’s not what you’d expect).

Find Mark Bowe on the web:

• Instagram: @mark_bowe and @barnwood_builders
• X (formerly known as Twitter): @MarkBowe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkBoweTV/
• Website: https://www.markbowe.com/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• TikTok: @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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