H I S T O R I C I M P O R T A N C E
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This project has it all - a whole-house remodel, a historic property designed in the late 1940s by a well-known modern architect, a double lot on a secluded street, and views of Minnehaha Creek. |
C A S E S T U D Y
Setting The Scene
We are fond of saying that behind every project is a story.
Behind this project was a 5-act play. From day one, this project was under massive pressure to deliver on promises and expectations, and to meet stiff municipal requirements. It's still the largest and most complex remodeling project we've undertaken, employing every design service we offer (some interiors selections are ongoing!) It was a wild ride for all involved, and in the end produced one of the most compelling and rewarding projects we've had the privilege to work on. So, buckle up and come along for the ride! |
A SLEEPING GIANT The Robert Cerny house as it stood in the winter prior to its spring construction start. It was during this time period that the Feasibility Study was in full swing.
H I S T O R Y & C O M P L E X I T Y
Real World Complexities
In conversations with the City of Minneapolis, it was confirmed that the home was indeed considered a historic resource, due to its neighborhood and having been designed by renowned modern architect, Robert Cerny of Cerny Associates, then a leading Minnesota architecture firm which had spawned a generation of modern designers.
This historical significance meant there were strict historic preservation guidelines that had to be met in regard to the exterior of the home.
Note of Interest
Cerny’s firm, Thorshov & Cerny, designed several well-known Twin Cities’ commercial buildings – Rapson Hall, School of Architecture [U of M], the MN Centennial Building [MN State Capitol Complex], St. Olaf Catholic Church [Minneapolis], St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church [Minneapolis], and Metropolitan Stadium [Bloomington], to name a select few.
This historical significance meant there were strict historic preservation guidelines that had to be met in regard to the exterior of the home.
Note of Interest
Cerny’s firm, Thorshov & Cerny, designed several well-known Twin Cities’ commercial buildings – Rapson Hall, School of Architecture [U of M], the MN Centennial Building [MN State Capitol Complex], St. Olaf Catholic Church [Minneapolis], St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church [Minneapolis], and Metropolitan Stadium [Bloomington], to name a select few.
STRONG SIMPLE FORMS Whether you loved it or hated it, this house made a dominant, formal statement. A towering stacked-stone chimney, a massive gabled room form, long horizontal lines, and repeated windows created unique forms and obvious rhythms. The project did interrupt some of these elements, but it borrowed from and extended them, as well. Such is the give-and-take nature of the design process when altering such a powerful, iconic house.
Be Careful!
The universal challenge with any remodeling project is addressing the client’s wants and needs within their budget.
This project added other particularly vexing considerations - complying with the city’s strict parameters on the renovation of a historic home, and, perhaps most daunting, a ticking clock in the form of a 90-day closing date on the purchase of the property.
There also exists a less obvious unwritten rule, or protocol, when altering a renowned architect’s work - do right by their original design and preserve its character.
In simpler terms, don't mess it up.
The universal challenge with any remodeling project is addressing the client’s wants and needs within their budget.
This project added other particularly vexing considerations - complying with the city’s strict parameters on the renovation of a historic home, and, perhaps most daunting, a ticking clock in the form of a 90-day closing date on the purchase of the property.
There also exists a less obvious unwritten rule, or protocol, when altering a renowned architect’s work - do right by their original design and preserve its character.
In simpler terms, don't mess it up.
ROOF GALORE With most houses, the roof is not a feature or even very visible. This house was an exception, however, as it presented strong, large sections of roof that dominated both the formal and visual character of the house. The most prominent elements were the stone chimney, the windows, and the massive roof plane both front and back.
Even with these challenging parameters, we were thrilled to be remodeling this classic and unique home. Homes such as this one, which was well-designed, even if outdated and rundown - give you something to work with. They are generous, offering design cues and layout options if you look carefully for them.
Homeowner's Perspective
We spent 9 years not loving our space - DO IT!
Don’t live in a space that doesn’t function well for your family. Even though this process has been super challenging, we cannot imagine still being in our old house.
It’s like childbirth in a way, painful but I would definitely do it again.
You should love where you live.
Ruthann White
< Homeowner >
A C R I T I C A L S T R E T C H
Is It Even Feasible?
Given the historical designation of the property, there was an additional layer of municipal review required to determine if the proposed project complied with allowable alteration/demolition limits. Navigating and calculating this requirement was an ever-present aspect of the early stages of the design process.
With every alteration, every design decision there was the immediate follow-up question.
Is this allowable?
Feasibility Study - A Reasoned & Measured Approach
With so much uncertainty and so much riding on the outcome of the design process, we proposed a Feasibility Study rather than a full project. This would allow us to pursue the critical aspects of the project preliminarily to determine if a project was viable prior to the purchase of the house.
It was a reasonable approach, but given that the 90-day window to closing was narrowing daily, it was a stressful one.
During this period, existing conditions needed to be documented, project scope and budget established, design direction developed, initial pricing assembled, construction financing and conditional city approval secured.
The decision to close on the purchase of the property and commit to the project (a $1.4M decision) hinged on our ability to complete the process quickly and accurately.
No pressure.
With every alteration, every design decision there was the immediate follow-up question.
Is this allowable?
Feasibility Study - A Reasoned & Measured Approach
With so much uncertainty and so much riding on the outcome of the design process, we proposed a Feasibility Study rather than a full project. This would allow us to pursue the critical aspects of the project preliminarily to determine if a project was viable prior to the purchase of the house.
It was a reasonable approach, but given that the 90-day window to closing was narrowing daily, it was a stressful one.
During this period, existing conditions needed to be documented, project scope and budget established, design direction developed, initial pricing assembled, construction financing and conditional city approval secured.
The decision to close on the purchase of the property and commit to the project (a $1.4M decision) hinged on our ability to complete the process quickly and accurately.
No pressure.
I HATE YOU, I LOVE YOU When we first saw the property it wasn't love at first sight. Once we got around the overgrown shrubs, we were greeted with a massive roof form that sat on the house like a lead hat. Despite all of the windows, the house was dark, there was mold in the basement, every wall finish (interior and exterior) was in need of removal., But after spending hours digging around the property, it became evident how special this house was, quirky layout and all - and the amazing design opportunities it offered.
Allowable Limits
For this property's level of historical designation, up to 60% of the exterior of the house could be altered (any roof alteration was considered 20% with the remaining allowable 40% alteration covering the exterior walls), which initially sounds generous until you do the math
The early design studies became a balancing act. Add a door, count it. Move a window, count it. Alter the roof, there goes 20% of the allowable change.
At times, it felt like we were not only designers, but accountants and mathematicians, too!
For this property's level of historical designation, up to 60% of the exterior of the house could be altered (any roof alteration was considered 20% with the remaining allowable 40% alteration covering the exterior walls), which initially sounds generous until you do the math
The early design studies became a balancing act. Add a door, count it. Move a window, count it. Alter the roof, there goes 20% of the allowable change.
At times, it felt like we were not only designers, but accountants and mathematicians, too!
I N T H E B E G I N N I N G
The Story
So, how did the Whites get here?
The Whites had lived in their 1920’s Colfax Avenue home for 9 years. During that time, their family grew by two active daughters, and the family dog, Zoe. The gradual is often imperceptible, as the Whites slowly realized that their home no longer fit their needs.
The kitchen became too small, the mudroom's inconvenient location (not adjacent to the garage) became an annoyance, and Jim’s middle-of-the-night “on-call” phone calls were becoming a major household disruption.
Something had to change.
The Whites had lived in their 1920’s Colfax Avenue home for 9 years. During that time, their family grew by two active daughters, and the family dog, Zoe. The gradual is often imperceptible, as the Whites slowly realized that their home no longer fit their needs.
The kitchen became too small, the mudroom's inconvenient location (not adjacent to the garage) became an annoyance, and Jim’s middle-of-the-night “on-call” phone calls were becoming a major household disruption.
Something had to change.
PEEKABOO We see you, well, kind of. Like the house itself, the site had been left to "age" over the decades. From certain views from the street, the house was nearly invisible, obscured by overgrown shrubs and bushes. But what was fantastic were the number of 75'+ trees on site. Mature oaks, cypress, cedars, and spruce dotted the double lot and provided a stately northern California-like backdrop.
To begin the process, the White's met with an architect (not DLD) with the intent of remodeling their old house. After realizing that the project would not get them what they wanted, the Whites switched gears.
They sold their Colfax home, moved into temporary housing, and contracted with a builder on a “spec” home in the Morningside neighborhood of Edina.
The adventure that unfurled was well beyond their imagination.
A Three-Hour Tour
One cannot help but draw Gilligan parallels, as the White’s initial plan was a simple three-month stay in temporary housing. However, after 9 months of working closely with the Morningside builder and with their new home in the finishing stages, the builder made some unexpected and legally improper demands.
The Whites had no choice but to walk away from the project - their hopes of getting into their new home and out of temporary housing dashed.
Feeling defeated and dismayed, the Whites were forced to start over.
A New Partner
They continued on and met with three additional builders and viewed their properties. None matched their needs nor grabbed their interest. With much of their belongings in storage and cramped living space, their patience was beginning to wane (If you've ever lived in temporary housing, then you know it’s no picnic).
Then a friend mentioned David Lund Design.
They sold their Colfax home, moved into temporary housing, and contracted with a builder on a “spec” home in the Morningside neighborhood of Edina.
The adventure that unfurled was well beyond their imagination.
A Three-Hour Tour
One cannot help but draw Gilligan parallels, as the White’s initial plan was a simple three-month stay in temporary housing. However, after 9 months of working closely with the Morningside builder and with their new home in the finishing stages, the builder made some unexpected and legally improper demands.
The Whites had no choice but to walk away from the project - their hopes of getting into their new home and out of temporary housing dashed.
Feeling defeated and dismayed, the Whites were forced to start over.
A New Partner
They continued on and met with three additional builders and viewed their properties. None matched their needs nor grabbed their interest. With much of their belongings in storage and cramped living space, their patience was beginning to wane (If you've ever lived in temporary housing, then you know it’s no picnic).
Then a friend mentioned David Lund Design.
Over Hill, Over Forest Dale
Since the beginning, the Whites had been looking for a teardown opportunity and had seen many properties in their search.
With DLD on board, they now expanded their house search to include not only properties in need of significant remodeling, but also a new builder, one who knew of a potential property not yet on the market.
Enter Forest Dale into the mix.
With DLD on board, they now expanded their house search to include not only properties in need of significant remodeling, but also a new builder, one who knew of a potential property not yet on the market.
Enter Forest Dale into the mix.
S L I D E S H O W
PRIVATE, SECLUDED, OUTDATED This house resided on one of the most desired streets in Minneapolis, but it was largely screened by overgrown trees and shrubs. When we first saw the house, we were both hesitant and optimistic. Seeing the possibilities took a moment to realize, but what was immediately evident was that we had a unique house and a rare design opportunity on our hands.
The 1948 home was in tough shape, having seen no renovation and little maintenance in its 70 years. Additionally, its interior layout was choppy with four separate levels, a tough layout with limited relevance to what families are looking for today.
However, the mid-century aesthetic was appealing, and the site - a stunning double lot in a tranquil setting by Minnehaha Creek - was conveniently nestled in a “dead zone” between two airplane flight paths and offered exceedingly unique characteristics for an urban dwelling.
No through traffic, no urban bustle and flow. The only people driving on the street lived on the street.
However, the mid-century aesthetic was appealing, and the site - a stunning double lot in a tranquil setting by Minnehaha Creek - was conveniently nestled in a “dead zone” between two airplane flight paths and offered exceedingly unique characteristics for an urban dwelling.
No through traffic, no urban bustle and flow. The only people driving on the street lived on the street.
BIG GESTURES The original design of this house is a sophisticated collection of large gestures and dominant forms, a series of strong moves that would have been groundbreaking in the late 1940's. It's our estimation, that if you asked people to guess the year this house was built they'd say the 1970s, which would be accurate in a way, as many of the principles evident in this house - deep overhangs, north elevation nestled back into the hillside, an extended, covered entry sequence, a massive stacked-stone chimney, large plate glass windows, and delicate exterior columns - were in full fashion in the 1970s. It's just that this house was doing it over 20 years earlier.
Existing Conditions
Although built in the late 1940s, Robert Cerny leveraged some very advanced home ideas for the time.
He took advantage of the sloped site by nestling the home into the natural berm, shielding it on the north side from bitter-cold Minnesota winters. He situated the house on the cardinal points (every other house on Fern Dale aligns with the winding street), with an expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows on the south-facing façade to take advantage of a passive solar effect - optimizing natural warmth and light.
These practical applications worked to achieve a “green” ideology, which in the early ’50s was not common practice. Today’s “green architecture” has its origins in the energy crisis of the 1970s, when architects began to question the wisdom of building enclosed boxes that required large HVAC systems.
He took advantage of the sloped site by nestling the home into the natural berm, shielding it on the north side from bitter-cold Minnesota winters. He situated the house on the cardinal points (every other house on Fern Dale aligns with the winding street), with an expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows on the south-facing façade to take advantage of a passive solar effect - optimizing natural warmth and light.
These practical applications worked to achieve a “green” ideology, which in the early ’50s was not common practice. Today’s “green architecture” has its origins in the energy crisis of the 1970s, when architects began to question the wisdom of building enclosed boxes that required large HVAC systems.
INSIDE MEET OUTSIDE A key tenet of the original house was blurring the lines between inside and outside, a foundational aspect of custom mid-century homes. This home was odd in that it was riddled with windows, but was exceedingly dark. Due to the deep overhangs and massive roof, there was not much ambient light entering the house. The views, however, were spectacular. Another unique aspect of this house were the number of levels, or half-mezzanine like levels. In total, there were four levels within a two-story house. The wood-paneled dining room, for example, was on its own level, just up from the living room and below the kitchen. The up-and-down nature of the floorplan made for interesting spaces, but challenging circulation patterns, especially for the homeowners who planned on aging in place.
Challenges, Rather Opportunities
Given the age of the home and its noted lack of maintenance over the last 70 years, the renovation challenges were extensive. Entire plumbing and electrical systems needed replacing, new mechanical systems were required (along with the addition of modern air conditioning).
Given the age of the home and its noted lack of maintenance over the last 70 years, the renovation challenges were extensive. Entire plumbing and electrical systems needed replacing, new mechanical systems were required (along with the addition of modern air conditioning).
TALES FROM THE CRYPT What did this scary, remote concrete hallway lead to? Well, this dingy, moldy bathroom, of course. The bottom level (stretching only a third of the house) was originally an au pair suite (interestingly enough, designed for the original owner who had a Swedish au pair) that was accessed via the garage only. It was an odd layout, but remember the late-night-on-call phone conversations that would disrupt the whole family? Well, this arrangement worked beautifully for the new homeowners, as Jim could now spend his on-call nights in the lower level suite, work, be on the phone, and not disturb the rest of the family. To everyone's relief, absolutely everything from this level of the house was demolished.
The layout of the interior spaces were awkward at best, including a second-floor kitchen (really) and a lower level laundry, au pair bedroom, and office accessible only via an unheated garage.
In total, there were four different levels, two of which were only partial, in the two-story house. This was not a traditional layout that worked for most families. But it's odd configuration offered options, and in an unexpected way, it would lend itself wonderfully to the White's unique living requirements.
Dam Issues
The long, low north wall (72' in length but only 5' from grade to soffit) was pushed deep into the hillside. This did two things, one good, the other not so good.
The sheltered north elevation protected the house from cold winter winds and used he warmth of the earth as a buffer to reduce heating and cooling needs. But it also placed certain sections of the foundation wall over 13' below grade.
The deep foundation wall functioned essentially as a dam, blocking the water working its way down the sloped backyard from making its way, ultimately, to the Creek beyond.
So where did the water go?
In total, there were four different levels, two of which were only partial, in the two-story house. This was not a traditional layout that worked for most families. But it's odd configuration offered options, and in an unexpected way, it would lend itself wonderfully to the White's unique living requirements.
Dam Issues
The long, low north wall (72' in length but only 5' from grade to soffit) was pushed deep into the hillside. This did two things, one good, the other not so good.
The sheltered north elevation protected the house from cold winter winds and used he warmth of the earth as a buffer to reduce heating and cooling needs. But it also placed certain sections of the foundation wall over 13' below grade.
The deep foundation wall functioned essentially as a dam, blocking the water working its way down the sloped backyard from making its way, ultimately, to the Creek beyond.
So where did the water go?
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME Remediating a leaky foundation wall is serious business. Not only is the excavation time consuming and delicate work, but there are legitimate concerns about de-stabilizing the foundation wall and compromising the house's structure.
Well, some went below the house, some was diverted around the house, some was absorbed into the soil, and, unfortunately, a lot went into the basement.
As you can see from the above image, the excavation shows how deep the foundation walls are. It was a substantial amount of cinder block wall to keep waterproof, and, indeed, the foundation did leak (mold mitigation was another primary project focus).
To remediate, extensive full-depth excavation, drain tile, and spray-applied liquid waterproofing were employed to repel and re-route the water.
As you can see from the above image, the excavation shows how deep the foundation walls are. It was a substantial amount of cinder block wall to keep waterproof, and, indeed, the foundation did leak (mold mitigation was another primary project focus).
To remediate, extensive full-depth excavation, drain tile, and spray-applied liquid waterproofing were employed to repel and re-route the water.
BE POSITIVE! As simple as it sounds, the best way to eliminate basement water issues is to slope grade away from the house - this is called positive slope. The original backyard slope was flattened and a boulder retaining wall was later installed to create a gently sloping backyard that shed water away from the house. The other benefit? It was now the perfect place for a volleyball court!
3D To The Rescue
Like with all projects, there were dozens of sheets of architectural drawings - floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof plans, lighting plans, interior elevations for existing, demolition and proposed work. In the end, there were 40+ pages of drawings, specifications, and construction details
In addition to the 2D drawing set, a 3D model was built to get a better sense of the direction and impact of initial design options.
Multiple perspective and elevation views were examined, interior spaces, volumes, and materials studied, and exterior finishes and landscape elements were incorporated to gain as much insight and certainty about the design direction.
In addition, the primary elevations were brought into Photoshop, where materials, colors, and background entourage were added to get an even more complete sense of the future state.
In addition to the 2D drawing set, a 3D model was built to get a better sense of the direction and impact of initial design options.
Multiple perspective and elevation views were examined, interior spaces, volumes, and materials studied, and exterior finishes and landscape elements were incorporated to gain as much insight and certainty about the design direction.
In addition, the primary elevations were brought into Photoshop, where materials, colors, and background entourage were added to get an even more complete sense of the future state.
Finally, Under Construction
After months of planning, design development, and documentation, it was finally time to build, or more accurately, start demolition.
E I G H T M O N T H S I N T H R E E M I N U T E S
IT'S GOOD TO BE PART OF A TEAM It's not often a project of this complexity, interest, and reward comes along. Add to the mix charming and trusting homeowners and we consider ourselves lucky to have been part of the project team. Like with most large projects, even today, now four years later, the design of the house evolves as the homeowners continue to work with the interior designer, adding furniture, artwork, and rugs.
Project Scope - A Tale of Two Houses and a Dramatic Core
In plan, this project has two "ends" or wings, flanking a central living room space.
On the east end, a two-story addition was added, including a new main level kitchen with a large island/breakfast bar, baking station, and a sun porch connected to a secluded outdoor patio.
On the upper level, a full master suite and covered Ipe wood deck replaced the old kitchen.
On the other end of the house, three modest bedrooms were converted into two with a connecting Jack-and-Jill bathroom and a new home office. Additional space was also carved out upstairs for play, toy storage, and crafting - a sweet, playful space with the daughters in mind.
And in the middle of it all, the central core features a main level that preserves much of the original living room while adding a new entry foyer, mudroom, and powder room. The existing lower level au pair bedroom was converted into a doctor’s on-call suite (a bedroom, bathroom, and small office). Jim’s days of tiptoeing and whispering while working the midnight hours are over!
And for Jim and Ruthann - a sophisticated sitting lounge, just large enough for two adults, sits near the top of the stairs and a dramatic wooden tower.
A Wooden Heart
The original living room was wrapped in rich wood panels. Unfortunately, the paneling was dry, brittle, and too thin to be salvaged.
In its place, new mahogany-veneer plywood with brass transition strips was installed in the central space to harken back to the original condition. To feature the wood finish, a dramatic vertical chase was designed to serve as a strong visual anchor to the large central volume.
And it also servs a second, more utilitarian purpose.
Going Up?
Even though eliminating an interstitial level (at the old dining room/kitchen level), simplified the layout, the house still has three levels of living spaces. Given that the White's plan to retire in this home, adaptability and aging-in-place living was a prime consideration.
To facilitate future mobility needs, the wooden tower serves a second less elegant purpose. It was designed and sized to accommodate a future elevator, connecting all three levels of the house.
But until that later date, it serves as a richly-finished and sculptural core to a large-volumed living and dining room space.
In plan, this project has two "ends" or wings, flanking a central living room space.
On the east end, a two-story addition was added, including a new main level kitchen with a large island/breakfast bar, baking station, and a sun porch connected to a secluded outdoor patio.
On the upper level, a full master suite and covered Ipe wood deck replaced the old kitchen.
On the other end of the house, three modest bedrooms were converted into two with a connecting Jack-and-Jill bathroom and a new home office. Additional space was also carved out upstairs for play, toy storage, and crafting - a sweet, playful space with the daughters in mind.
And in the middle of it all, the central core features a main level that preserves much of the original living room while adding a new entry foyer, mudroom, and powder room. The existing lower level au pair bedroom was converted into a doctor’s on-call suite (a bedroom, bathroom, and small office). Jim’s days of tiptoeing and whispering while working the midnight hours are over!
And for Jim and Ruthann - a sophisticated sitting lounge, just large enough for two adults, sits near the top of the stairs and a dramatic wooden tower.
A Wooden Heart
The original living room was wrapped in rich wood panels. Unfortunately, the paneling was dry, brittle, and too thin to be salvaged.
In its place, new mahogany-veneer plywood with brass transition strips was installed in the central space to harken back to the original condition. To feature the wood finish, a dramatic vertical chase was designed to serve as a strong visual anchor to the large central volume.
And it also servs a second, more utilitarian purpose.
Going Up?
Even though eliminating an interstitial level (at the old dining room/kitchen level), simplified the layout, the house still has three levels of living spaces. Given that the White's plan to retire in this home, adaptability and aging-in-place living was a prime consideration.
To facilitate future mobility needs, the wooden tower serves a second less elegant purpose. It was designed and sized to accommodate a future elevator, connecting all three levels of the house.
But until that later date, it serves as a richly-finished and sculptural core to a large-volumed living and dining room space.
DOING DOUBLE DUTY The wood-wrapped tower is not simply a dramatic design element in a grand two-level volume. It's also the home of a future elevator. In the interim, it houses a TV pocket, two closets, one on each level, which can easily be removed and replaced with a residential elevator down the road.
Lessons, Lessons, Everywhere
In the end, the Whites’ expected three-month-temporary-housing stint lasted nearly two years. In that time, life continued as it does - Jim and Ruthann sadly both lost their fathers - and the family endured it all in inadequate space without many of their belongings.
In hindsight, they recommend finding “less temporary” temporary housing. So many lessons learned in the process!
At the start of their journey, the Whites had the multiple opportunities to buy large, oversized existing homes (one even had two living rooms!), but ostentatious is not their style. They could have built new as they first planned but realized the “cookie-cutter” homes they saw lacked the character they were looking for.
In hindsight, they recommend finding “less temporary” temporary housing. So many lessons learned in the process!
At the start of their journey, the Whites had the multiple opportunities to buy large, oversized existing homes (one even had two living rooms!), but ostentatious is not their style. They could have built new as they first planned but realized the “cookie-cutter” homes they saw lacked the character they were looking for.
LOOK FAMILIAR? This section of the house remained essentially unchanged with the exception of all new exterior siding materials, new windows, and a new roof. Well, it did change some, but its footprint stayed the same.
What they learned about working with a residential designer
As first-timers, they were amazed by each stage of the process and seemingly endless benefit of working with a residential design expert a few of which they had not anticipated:
As first-timers, they were amazed by each stage of the process and seemingly endless benefit of working with a residential design expert a few of which they had not anticipated:
- The early schematic design iterations and how a tired, dated and entirely mixed-up interior configuration could be transformed into their dream home
- 3D modeling that first allowed them to envision their new home and its possibilities
- The attention to every seemingly small detail that in the end made a huge difference — the countless material and fixture selections, the window size, and placement to capture exterior views from each space, the flow as you enter and walk through each space, the new architectural details that nod to the home’s history (mahogany paneling accents recreated in the living room), the gathering spaces orchestrated - some to welcome larger groups and others to purposely limit for two
- The ability to create flexible spaces that could accommodate for the future, allowing them to “age in place”
NESTLED IN We love how this house sits on the site. The various levels of the interior are replayed outside with steps, patios, and retaining walls that carve out charming exterior spaces.
A Look In The Mirror
After every project, we review our role and what we could have done better. This was a huge project with thousands of details to consider and capture, and it was not always smooth sailing.
Project completion was a long time coming for the Whites, given their having gone through the process essentially twice. They were unhappy with the extent of budget revisions, the slowed pace of progress during the final construction stage, and admitted there were misaligned ideas regarding the preliminary budget and level of finishes.
Clear communication and setting realistic expectations on cost and project timing are universally critical components to any successful project and sometimes not fully realized.
An accurate budget on a complex, historically-designated project is a challenge, and a give and take in a project's final stages are not uncommon. Additionally, the slowdown that comes as the builder transitions from one job wrapping up to another ramping up is difficult to avoid — a challenge for most in the construction business.
Despite the challenges, however, for the White's the transformation was fun to witness and with each stage, the excitement provided a renewed spark of energy and enthusiasm.
After every project, we review our role and what we could have done better. This was a huge project with thousands of details to consider and capture, and it was not always smooth sailing.
Project completion was a long time coming for the Whites, given their having gone through the process essentially twice. They were unhappy with the extent of budget revisions, the slowed pace of progress during the final construction stage, and admitted there were misaligned ideas regarding the preliminary budget and level of finishes.
Clear communication and setting realistic expectations on cost and project timing are universally critical components to any successful project and sometimes not fully realized.
An accurate budget on a complex, historically-designated project is a challenge, and a give and take in a project's final stages are not uncommon. Additionally, the slowdown that comes as the builder transitions from one job wrapping up to another ramping up is difficult to avoid — a challenge for most in the construction business.
Despite the challenges, however, for the White's the transformation was fun to witness and with each stage, the excitement provided a renewed spark of energy and enthusiasm.