Residential Renovation

Contractor of THe
year Award
winner
A
Renovation
in
Solebury,
Pennsylvania
Our Client had recently retired and was looking forward to spending more time at home with family and friends. The
home was originally designed so that the occupants could live on the main floor while closing off the other levels until
needed. Although this layout still appealed to our client, she felt that she spent most of her time cramped into the small
kitchen wing that received the majority of the south-east sun. She wanted to create multiple spaces that were spacious
enough to entertain her growing family and captured the sun as much as possible without sacrificing her views of the
property. The resulting design focused on two additions, a sunny conservatory addition off the side and a cozy terrace
room addition off the back.
The home was also designed to take
maximum advantage of views of a
17th century waterfall that sits
behind the house. The sights and
sounds of which can be enjoyed
from every room in the house and
it was very important in designing
the new space that this attribute not
be lost.
We
utilized the
existing terrace
foundation as part of
the design because its
orientation allowed
sweeping views of the
waterfall and the
property. Through the
d r a m a t i c w i n d ow s
which follow the
curve, the view can
still be enjoyed from
the existing kitchen
beyond.
Before
The new terrace off the side of the
conservatory addition provides a place to
entertain that takes full advantage of the
south-east exposure. A trellis, constructed of
low maintenance composite Azek material
defines the space while still allowing the
sunshine to reach the room beyond.
Before
The newly renovated space, above, serves
as a dining area and a transition area into
the new additions.
Before
This is a view of
the original
sitting area off the
kitchen that was
trying to serve too
many purposes.
The
conservatory
addition
This area serves as a family
room for entertaining with
french doors on all sides for easy
access to the out door patios and
terrace. The dramatic timbers
were salvaged from a near by
barn and reconfigured to fit in
our design. Hand forged iron
straps secure the bottom tenon
and compliment the chandelier.
The main focal point of the
room is a circle top picture
window that creates a dramatic
pattern of light on the bluestone
floor.
The fireplace in this room was tied into
the chimney of the existing fireplace in
the adjacent room.
The primary heat source for this room is
radiant beneath the bluestone floor.
The Terrace
addition
Our client enjoys
reading in the
morning and the
terrace addition
provides a perfect
place to curl up with
a good book and
watch the seasons
change through the
sweeping windows
that follow the line of
the original terrace
foundation that it
was built on.
The room features a tray ceiling and is
sunken below the kitchen area which
allows for a full sized picture window
and tall custom built bookcases
without losing any coziness.
The TV is
recessed
above the
limestone
fireplace.
The Kitchen was given a face lift
to give it fresh new look and tie it
into the new spaces. This included
removing and refinishing all the
cabinetry, new counter tops and
appliances and the addition of
beams to the ceiling.
Before
Here the previous
window to the outside
has been framed in
casework and serves as a
pass through for
entertaining in the
terrace room. It also
allows people in the
kitchen a view to the
outside.
Before
A new IPE deck with iron railing was added to the back of the house.
The iron spindles were chosen to minimize any obstruction of the view
to the waterfall and stream beyond.
After
Before