harold house renovations & conversions
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An Up-Down duplex built in 1930, the exterior of the building was in poor condition, but the interiors were in generally good shape. The architect determined that by removing just a few walls, enlarging some doorways and re-configuring the entry, the existing duplex arrangement could easily be converted into a single-family residence. Small additions were introduced to improve the entry and front porch, and to slightly increase the size of the kitchen.
Like most of our projects, the conversion and renovation was designed with energy conservation in mind, with a passive solar energy approach being the first line of defense. East and west windows were minimized while northern and southern exposures maximized and depths of overhangs calculated for maximum ambient comfort while conserving energy. Additionally, existing materials and fixtures removed during the renovations were either recycled or donated. Some of the other energy conservation design techniques included using spray-on foam insulation to completely seal the attic and crawl space, introducing low level air conditioning in the attic, providing rain barrels and rain chains, and minimizing impervious surface areas on the site. |
existing front of house
existing back of house
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