REBIRTH

DESIGN

Goals

As purchased by our clients, the clumsy “passive solar” configuration of this existing home presented poorly proportioned interior spaces, untenable temperature and moisture cycles, and an off-putting exterior expression. Our design goals included interior reconfiguration to produce appealing light-filled spaces, a livable plan, and a clean contemporary aesthetic befitting the owner’s taste. The central design challenge was to create a consequential rebirth of the house on a minimal construction budget.

Solution

In order to hit the cost target, our design utilizes the original building footprint and large portions of the original form. Aside from new fenestration and siding, the garage, the mud-room link connecting house to garage, and the north half of the house were retained. Some modest interior alterations within existing volume yielded a comfortable master suite, guest quarters, and office space.

Our light touch on a substantial portion of the building allowed us to channel a majority of the construction budget toward dramatic improvements to the main living spaces and to the predominant south elevation.

Our design features a broad gable encompassing the entire south façade, punctuated with square windows and window assemblies. The main entrance was recessed for practicality and visual punch; it gains storm/security protection in the Owner’s absence via a pair of barn-style sliding doors. As the design took form, we recognized a kinship to Venturi’s “Mother’s House”, which we pulled off our library shelves to serve as inspiration to the work.

The simple square fenestration, soaring interior volumes that include an open ceiling over the dining/kitchen area, and minimal detailing give the entire living space the contemporary and clean feel we desired.

One of our favorite new details in this residence are the wide, dark stained floorboards; their hand-sanded finish resulted in a beautiful undulated surface serving as counterpoint to the clean “art gallery” walls.

SUSTAINABILITY

In addition to the satisfying architectural transformation, this project’s sustainability index ranks high due to the re-use of so much of the original structure. Whole-house energy upgrades where achieved through high-efficiency glazing, insulation, lamping, and boiler – with heating via energy-frugal radiant floor.