Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

his Master Bedroom allows the homeowner world-class experience every minute they are home and not traveling. With automated black-out shades within the room, a 55" LED display with touchscreen remote, automated lights and speakers in the ceiling, it allows a guest to feel right at home. Anything being watched on the TV can have it's audio heard through the speakers in the ceiling, to provide enhanced listening as well as much clearer than using the speakers built into the back of the TV. For comfort and convenience, the building HVAC system was integrated into the system as well, allowing the homeowner to control 2 zones of heating and cooling easily from a touchpanel, mobile tablet or phone. This comes in handy for the owner, who travels often to the west coast - allowing them to shut down the units remotely and turn them back on upon landing back in NYC so that a comfortable climate is reached by the time they arrive back home. One of the favorite features added to the system was an integration with the building's access control system. Whenever a visitor or food delivery service arrives outside, they can easily be viewed and let in through any panel in the home- even when the homeowner is out of town. This feature required coordination with the building security company, and includes video encoders to digitize the analog security video feeds the building provided, as well as a network connected relay device which communicates with the electronic door strike and elevator service.

Ohio Exteriors installed a LivingSpace Transitions 4 season custom cathedral style sunroom that measured 12' x 16'. we installed the custom vinyl windows. We tied into the existing roof, and matched the existing shake siding. We extended the existing HVAC system. We also installed new French doors.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Set on a desirable corner lot in Kensington Heights, 2665 Berkshire Way is a luxury ranch home by Skyline Construction that pairs panoramic mountain views with energy-efficient systems, refined finishes, and highly functional living spaces. The residence offers 2,889 square feet of finished living area, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully finished basement, and a heated three-car garage. The main level makes an immediate impression with 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot interior and exterior doors, oversized Gerkin Low-E windows, and open sightlines that frame the surrounding Wyoming landscape. A gas fireplace anchors the living area, while a bay window and expansive glazing bring natural light into the kitchen, dining, and gathering spaces. Designed for cooking and entertaining, the kitchen features quartz countertops, 42-inch upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a counter-depth refrigerator, wine refrigerator, under-cabinet lighting, and an oversized island with generous seating and workspace. The open layout extends directly to a 20-by-10-foot covered composite deck, creating a comfortable outdoor living area with exceptional mountain views. The private primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a beautifully finished bathroom with custom tile work. A second main-level bedroom and bathroom provide flexibility for guests or office use. Main-level laundry hookups add everyday convenience, while a second laundry connection is available downstairs. The fully finished basement expands the home with two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a spacious family room, and dedicated mechanical space. Nine-foot basement walls, concrete window wells, stair lighting, custom ornamental railings, and powder-coated window-well covers contribute to the home's polished appearance and long-term durability. The heated three-car garage is designed for the Wyoming lifestyle with 9-foot doors, insulated 2-by-6 walls, drywall, texture, primer, and paint. Additional features include a Brilliant Smart Home System for lighting, climate, and security control, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, a high-efficiency HVAC system, a tankless water heater, and a professionally installed radon mitigation system. Outside, stone veneer, stucco, metal soffits, a covered porch, full landscaping, and an automatic sprinkler system create strong curb appeal with low-maintenance functionality. Space for RV parking adds further versatility. Built by Skyline Construction, this Kensington Heights home reflects a commitment to premium materials, thoughtful customization, energy-conscious construction, and craftsmanship designed to deliver lasting comfort, style, and value.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo