RENOVATIONS & NEW ADDITIONS
New additions
New additions come in all shapes and sizes, from outdoor showers to mother-in-law apartments to whole wings of houses. In all cases, the objective is to create a structure that fits seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the house by employing unifying materials or copying architectural details. Above, the use of Italianate corbels and multi-paned windows ties the addition to the building; top right, a series of add-ons were replaced by a single addition, enlarging the useable space and unifying the silhouette of the building. Bottom right, both wings of the house were expanded, while not increasing the footprint. Dormers not only made the second-story spaces more useable, but broke up the massing of the building to make the result seem smaller, and drew attention away from the dominating modern pavilion in the center. In front, the main entrance was relocated, given emphasis, and incorporated into the house with a recessed portal, and other Queen Anne and Shingle style elements were introduced.
interiors
Interior spaces are by definition personal spaces. Though not regulated by any national or state preservation rules, interior choices that work in harmony with the original design aesthetic of the building's author often have the most lasting, satisfying, and monetary value. Most of us don't live in museums, nor want to. History is a reflection of what living was like at a particular time, it is ongoing, and we should not be deprived what "living" is in our time. Most ideas are possible to implement, the question is - How are they accomplished? Through a collaboration between the client and field professionals an optimal solution can be realized.
Porches
Adding or changing porches and entryways can transform the character of a house. By creating a transitional space between the outside and inside of a building, it draws attention to the entrance and becomes more welcoming. The porch below was added to a traditional 1930's Cape; a metal roof was chosen to enhance the view from the upper dormers. At right, an enclosed entryway with a hipped roof was reconfigured to reflect a proper open entry porch for an 1890 house, creating a distinguished street view of the main entrance. Above right, a screened-in porch addition unifies the side entrance and an awkward pantry while enlarging the summer living space.
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garages & outbuildings Auxiliary structures compliment the principal building and site. They need to accomplish both function and form. If they are extant and salvageable, efforts should be made to preserve and adapt them for the current owners' purpose and enjoyment. If new, they should do the same while reflecting credibility on the principal structure - that can mean representing an earlier or later period, both are valid.
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