Case Studies
The Tyeryar / Gillespie Residence Kensington, MD
Addition and remodel of a pre-war house in Keninsington
View Project Photo Gallery: Before (9) After (12)
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The original house was a compact, WWII era house, with uninsulated concrete block walls. Space included a main level with two bedrooms and one bath, over a walk-out basement that was finished to include a second bath, rec room, and wet bar. The house grew by accretion to the west, including an office and den over a two-car garage. The present owners had added a greenhouse to the rear of the garage. |
The project objectives were to reconstruct the west wing of the existing house, with partially finished storage-utility area on the terrace level, and bathroom and master bedroom on the main level. Additionally, to reconfigure space in the main block of the house on the main level, by removing the existing bathroom, opening and otherwise modifying the kitchen, and providing associated amenities. Further, to provide energy improvements, including exterior insulation system, new windows, and modifications to the existing mechanical system. Also to stabilize the existing foundation walls, and prevent water leakage in the terrace level. Lastly, to remedy existing zoning violations.
Aside from the usual constraints of budget, the owners needed to continue living in the house during construction. This required an elaborate system of temporary partitions to maintain security and control dust. it also required a phased construction schedule, as the work shifted from zone to zone throughout the house.
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The sustainable nature of the project involved challenges, detailing the exterior insulation system for the existing masonry wall, the inverted roof membrane system for the open beamed ceilings, and preparation for the future green roof over the addition.
On a more fundamental level, the work involved stabilization of the existing foundation, requiring design and installation of an elaborate system of temporary support and weather protection.
To the greatest extent possible, we attempt to solve unique challenges with conventional methods and materials. An example is our open beam ceiling, inverted roof membrane system, as adaptable for green roof installation. The system uses engineered lumber beams on wide centers, with structural tongue and groove decking, for the finished ceiling. Above the decking, we install tapered foam insulation and a conventional weather proof membrane. Above that, we install multiple layers of rigid foam insulation, bounded by stackable landscape blocks. The blocks are installed higher than the foam panels, to contain the green roof materials. The foam panels not only provide insulation without thermal bridging, but also protect the membrane from thermal shock, extending its service life. The beams and T&G decking are sanded and stained to provide a dramatic ceiling. the green roof itself will have multiple environmental benefits, not to mention reducing the cooling load on the space below.
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In addition, the home owners are patrons of the manual arts. This project included integration of new work around a twelve foot long ceramic mural on the rear of the house. It also incorporated unique, hand crafted features, including lighting and structural connectors made from salvaged steel, and built-in furnishings made from salvaged and urban harvest timbers.
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One measure of the success of this project is to compare it with the starting point. In this case, the owners had an unusually sophisticated sense of space, and very specific ideas about how the space should be organized. To a great extent, the final design was simply putting their concepts into hard lines. In this sense, the project is a direct realization of the Owner's objectives.