Case Studies
The Tyeryar / Gillespie Residence Kensington, MD
Addition and remodel of a pre-war house in Keninsington
View Project Photo Gallery: Before (5) After (11)The existing house was an early twentieth century "picturesque" style, two and one half story brick and stucco house -- with generous and well detailed spaces throughout -- except for the original tiny kitchen and a "can't swing a cat in" breakfast nook -- and no bath on the main floor.
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Aside from the conventional challenges of budget -- and of keeping the Owners and their two large, rambunctious dogs safe and comfortable during construction -- the principle challenge was integrating an open, flowing plan with a structural system that would allow for the removal of a corner of the original main floor of the house, and support existing stories above as well as the new roof. |
| The project objectives, as defined in the feasibility study that began the remodeling process, were "To reconfigure and add to the rear of the existing house, to provide a powder room, expanded kitchen, and casual dining / sitting room with views and access to the garden. The design will compliment the form and character of the house, and will be constructed of sustainable and healthy materials. The design will also be energy efficient, such that the expanded space will not increase the current heating and cooling loads."
In addition, the new spaces wer to be able to display the Owners' collection of two and three dimensional art. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the design needed to accommodate the canine members of the household, who enjoy the outdoors, but are not proficient in wiping their paws. |  |
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Often our best work is never seen. In this case, the challenge of removing a corner of a multi story house involved close coordination with the project engineer, and a carefully sequenced system of temporary support and engineered framing.
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However, we are particularly pleased with the quality of the energy design for this project. Following close-in and installation of blown-in-place foam insulation, we were working on one of the coldest and windiest days of winter. Personnel were walking in and out of the exterior door, and windows were cracked open to allow for extension cords. Inside, the space was heated by a single 15 amp portable heater -- but the crew was working in shirt sleaves. Most impressively, the new concrete floor slab, floating on 4 inches of foam, was literally warm to the touch. |
Regrettably, we do not have the comments of the canine members of the family. However, the new tile floors throughout the addition, renovated areas, and main hallway and foyer, have helped to resolve the aformentioned tension between the two species that populate the house.