Respect but Modify: Home Remodel Defines Zones in Dark and Light Tones

Project Details

Project Name
Respect but Modify: Home Remodel Defines Zones in Dark and Light Tones
Project Types
Single Family
Project Scope
Renovation/Remodel
Project Status
Built
Team
Architects: Alterstudio Architecture
Contractor: Ford Strei

Project Description

Priorities

Create two separate zones: one for living and socializing, the other for work, concentration, and sleeping
Respect the existing home, maintaining the building’s discrete rooms while altering their character

Solutions

This remodel and addition transformed a dilapidated 1927 bungalow in the Austin, Texas, neighborhood of Travis Heights into a bi-nuclear house, which splits the home into two zones—one for fun, one for function—in two different tones, one dark (new construction) and one light (the existing home). The two zones are joined by a glassy entryway. New windows and skylights provide plenty of openness, while a sleek, modern design gives the impression of wide space. With sustainability in mind, the home’s design takes solar orientation and cross ventilation into account, and includes a rainwater collection system. It also reuses lumber from the original home in shiplap accent walls, countertops made from long-leaf pine beams, and split cedar entry steps. 

Judge’s Comments

The judges liked the use of dual buildings to create a dialogue between the two structures. One judge said that the contrast between the two forms “makes me see the building in front in a completely new way.” The judges also praised the team’s efforts toward sustainability.

Products Used

Bathroom plumbing fittings and fixtures: Kohler
Bathroom cabinets: custom, wall-mount, mahogany
Countertop: Caesarstone
Flooring: Sant’Agostino tile
Hardware: Hafele
Interior doors: custom
Lighting fixtures: Minka
Paints/stains: Benjamin Moore
Windows: Pella

Click to see the 17 other winners in the 2014 Remodeling Design Awards.

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