THE HOMEOWNER WAS LOOKING FOR A HOUSE that reminded them of the traditional homes in which they grew up. They liked the architectural style when they purchased the home, so they contacted the original architect, Nick Deaver, to work on the major renovation to update the home for their art collection and expand upon their work, as well as remodel the kitchen. David Wilkes Builders came on board to bring their vision into reality.
The design brief included a library, a study and a piano nook. The team also added outdoor details like an exterior foyer, floor-to-ceiling windows, a metal roof and lots of brick, as well as a pool and a new deck in the backyard, where the family loves to spend time.
The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath mid-century American family house sits on .32 acres, but due to city code restrictions the home size could only be increased by 45 square feet, from 4,345 to 4,390. Adding the extra square footage where it would have the greatest impact at the south facing front entry allowed for a larger, more shaded entrance.
When visitors arrive, they are welcomed by a cut stone path at the curb that gently redirects them through a stepped landscaped terrace before crossing a low sitting wall with a Lueders limestone cap to create a seating area and more gracious, protected entry. The idea was inspired by country houses that are open and permeable to the landscape on multiple sides, as opposed to a formal front with a permeable backyard.
The new entrance boasts floor-to-ceiling steel and glass, leading to clean modern interiors meant to elevate the art collection. Above, a new standing seam metal roof with extended dormers and a sharper eave profile reinvents the older structure, creating a shaded portico entry below.
This entry is defined by a horizontal brick box that feels intimate yet monumental, accentuating the length of the house and organizing the living and dining rooms on either side of the main gallery. Both floors were outfitted with new windows, including floor-to-ceiling, steel-framed glass walls on the lower floor, selected for their minimal structure and to maximize sight lines and glass area. Painted classical wood trim touches the ceilings, dividing the walls into clear geometric white surfaces designed to showcase the colorful art pieces. The piano nook projects the living room into the landscape, with more expansive steel windows that capture the southern light.
The gallery-like interior walls were designed specifically for different sized artwork. “To accommodate the client’s art collection, we relocated electrical outlets and switches to make the walls clean and uninterrupted,” said Catherine Wilkes, of David Wilkes Builders. “We also added specialty wall wash lighting to highlight specific art pieces throughout the house. We added some rather large beams in the front of the house to have hidden privacy shades and drapery for the new glass walls.”
The kitchen went through a minor modification, adding a new coffee station, a space in the existing island for a second dishwasher, and modified cabinets to accept the new chef-style range and provide better door operation of upper cabinets. “Our in-house carpenters built all the new parts and did the cabinet modifications as most of the kitchen remained intact,” said Christian Bingham, Senior Project Manager, David Wilkes Builders. “We also installed additional task lighting and lights for the farmhouse table in the kitchen, and cleaned and sealed the marble counters to restore them and make them look like new.”
After discovering some rot in the living room oak floors, the team refinished them to match the original stain and finish. They also removed a small step up into the new office, formerly a sunroom, which had a small fireplace in the corner. “That room had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on one whole wall and a built-in window seat opposite,” said Bingham.
The fireplace was wrapped in blackened plate steel with sides and a new hearth that hid all but the original firebox.” The Wilkes team built the new deck in the back that covers the entire width of the rear. It’s made from Ipe wood, with a corner step arrangement down to the new pool level, as well as integrated seats around the perimeter. The owner has said that is one of their favorite spots in the house to sit with friends and enjoy a view of the small cocktail pool, which was installed by another contractor but mechanicals were coordinated though David Wilkes Builders.
This stunning remodel proves that, rather than demolish an existing home that fits the architectural style and history of a neighborhood, a smart architect and a professional builder can transform it into a stylish, modern abode that checks all the boxes.
DAVID WILKES BUILDERS
512-328-9888 | DavidWilkesBuilders.com
NICK DEAVER ARCHITECT
512-494-9808 | NickDeaver.com