Case Study: Total Home Renewal

Challenge

Remain true to the original Bungalow look and feel, respect scale and style of old, historic neighborhood.

Solution

Conducted extensive period research. Maintained the front porch and centered it on the entrance, kept the second story under the rooflines with dormers in front. Utilized Craftsman-style details: tapered columns, eave brackets, historical colors, layers of different siding textures and materials.

Challenge

Dramatically increase the square footage without making the house look too massive.

Solution

Staggered roof lines with gable dormers break up mass and create well-balanced façade. Kept 2-story massing toward rear of home.

Challenge

Achieve square footage requirements under strict limitations: stay roughly within existing footprint; reuse as much of original structure and foundation as possible; maintain location of all entrances and exits, stairs and bearing points.

Solution

Working within these limitations required an exhaustive tradeoff study and extensive period research, as well as hours of iterative design with the client. The resulting efficient, creative design extended footprint in only 2 small areas. Reusing structural components required overcoming structural deficiencies in multiple locations, including removing a tree that was compromising the integrity of the foundation.

Results

Without moving or tearing down, our homeowners now live in their dream home. They remained in their prime Arlington location by building upon the solid integrity of their original home. Their “new” home fits snugly in their historic neighborhood because of the close attention paid to classic bungalow details.

Creative design gives all modern conveniences while retaining Bungalow feel
Master suite with private balcony offers a haven for our homeowners
New, custom trim throughout gives feel of a newly-built home rather than renovated space
Efficient space planning offers requisite storage and living space to accommodate growing family