RICHMOND HOLBROOKE
Project Overview
Designing a pied-a-terre to function on the level of a primary home in picturesque Richmond calls for exceptional creativity and meticulous attention to detail.
My venerable Greek design instructor who frequently unfolded the pages of architectural history in class once said that true design starts when you don’t have options.
The challenge in this project was to extend and modernize a cramped two-bedroom one bath rowhouse located within a beautiful courtyard, in a conservation area which restricts any exterior alterations to the façade. It was like a puzzle to delight in, and the outcome was spectacular.
Working with a skilled contractor, we underpinned the 100 square meter house, to relocate the stairs which, cut the space in half and interrupted the flow resulting in two rooms small dark rooms: one to the front and the other in the back. We were then able to chisel a WC under the newly positioned stairs, leveled the garage and incorporated it into the living space, added a second bath on the upper floor. By introducing demarcations with the use of distinct color pallets, and innovative storage solutions, we accomplished distinct visual separation achieving a harmoniously and warm home. A custom designed kitchen and dining area opens onto a private courtyard for intimate gatherings.
Designing a pied-a-terre to function on the level of a primary home in picturesque Richmond calls for exceptional creativity and meticulous attention to detail. My venerable Greek design instruction who frequently unfolded the pages of architectural history in class once said that true design starts when you don’t have options.
The challenge in this project was to extend and modernize a cramped two-bedroom one bath rowhouse located within a beautiful courtyard, in a conservation area which restricts any exterior alterations to the façade. It was like a puzzle to delight in, and the outcome was spectacular.
Working with a skilled contractor, we underpinned the 100square meter house, to relocate the stairs which, cut the space in half and interrupted the flow resulting in two rooms small dark rooms: one to the front and the other in the back. We were then able to chisel a WC under the newly positioned stairs, leveled the garage and incorporated it into the living space, added a second bath on the upper floor. By introducing demarcations with the use of distinct color pallets, and innovative storage solutions, we accomplished distinct visual separation achieving a harmoniously and warm home. A custom designed kitchen and dining area opens onto a private courtyard for intimate gatherings.
Designing a pied-a-terre to function on the level of a primary home in picturesque Richmond calls for exceptional creativity and meticulous attention to detail. My venerable Greek design instruction who frequently unfolded the pages of architectural history in class once said that true design starts when you don’t have options.
The challenge in this project was to extend and modernize a cramped two-bedroom one bath rowhouse located within a beautiful courtyard, in a conservation area which restricts any exterior alterations to the façade. It was like a puzzle to delight in, and the outcome was spectacular.
Working with a skilled contractor, we underpinned the 100square meter house, to relocate the stairs which, cut the space in half and interrupted the flow resulting in two rooms small dark rooms: one to the front and the other in the back. We were then able to chisel a WC under the newly positioned stairs, leveled the garage and incorporated it into the living space, added a second bath on the upper floor. By introducing demarcations with the use of distinct color pallets, and innovative storage solutions, we accomplished distinct visual separation achieving a harmoniously and warm home. A custom designed kitchen and dining area opens onto a private courtyard for intimate gatherings.