Home Operations
The homeowners of this semi-detached house in NW DC wanted to preserve some of the original woodwork and other key elements of the house, recognizing the importance of preservation in sustainable design. Therefore, the renovation strategy consisted of a series of “surgical” alterations that contrasts existing traditional elements with modern ones
The design solution included the following interventions:
OPERATIONS – Multiple existing elements are re-configured around a modern context throughout the house. Original threshold frames were objectified through the removal of adjacent walls in the Living Room and master bedroom entry. The original fireplace opening was retained while a new gas one slides in front of it. The glass panes from the jalousie porch windows were re purposed as a stacked light element adjacent to an altered frame. The original floors and second floor doors were refurbished, and the existing radiators were stripped and repositioned along with new ones. New bamboo cabinets were attached to a modified frame and sits adjacent to the original stairs which have been abstracted with black and white paint
COLOR MARKINGS - Color is used to express spatial pockets or frames such as the master bedroom vestibule, fireplace cavity, kitchen backsplash and the exterior balcony and frame. Altered threshold frames and trim are kept abstract in black and white. Large surfaces such as floors, ceilings, and exterior siding remain neutral to further accentuate the figural qualities of the new composites.
OPEN FLOW – The elimination of walls between rooms on the main level allows for continuous passage and views from the front of house to the folding glass doors in the rear. The new rear addition allows for an enlarged master suite and deck above and extended kitchen and living space below. Skylights and a glass opening in the second floor, along with larger windows, bring light into the expanded space.
The design solution included the following interventions:
OPERATIONS – Multiple existing elements are re-configured around a modern context throughout the house. Original threshold frames were objectified through the removal of adjacent walls in the Living Room and master bedroom entry. The original fireplace opening was retained while a new gas one slides in front of it. The glass panes from the jalousie porch windows were re purposed as a stacked light element adjacent to an altered frame. The original floors and second floor doors were refurbished, and the existing radiators were stripped and repositioned along with new ones. New bamboo cabinets were attached to a modified frame and sits adjacent to the original stairs which have been abstracted with black and white paint
COLOR MARKINGS - Color is used to express spatial pockets or frames such as the master bedroom vestibule, fireplace cavity, kitchen backsplash and the exterior balcony and frame. Altered threshold frames and trim are kept abstract in black and white. Large surfaces such as floors, ceilings, and exterior siding remain neutral to further accentuate the figural qualities of the new composites.
OPEN FLOW – The elimination of walls between rooms on the main level allows for continuous passage and views from the front of house to the folding glass doors in the rear. The new rear addition allows for an enlarged master suite and deck above and extended kitchen and living space below. Skylights and a glass opening in the second floor, along with larger windows, bring light into the expanded space.
Project Year: 2018
Country: United States
