Our recent project, an addition to an early 1900s American Foursquare, exemplifies our thoughtful approach to adding on to historic structures. The goal is always to honor the past while making room for the present.
From the street, the home maintains its familiar and beloved presence. The original scale and symmetry remain intact, allowing the historic character to take center stage. A new covered stoop at the main entry enhances both usability and curb appeal without overpowering the existing façade. Careful attention was paid to proportion, materials, and detailing to ensure this addition feels as though it has always been part of the house.
To the right side of the home, we introduced a new wing designed to mirror the original sunroom on the left. This thoughtful symmetry reinforces the balance typical of the Foursquare style, creating a composition that feels authentic.
While the front of the home respects its historic roots, the rear reveals a more expansive transformation tailored to modern living. A new two-and-a-half-car garage provides much-needed functionality and is connected to the home by a graceful portico. This connection not only offers practical shelter from the garage to the house, but also establishes a sense of continuity between the structures. Through the portico, we designed a private courtyard surrounded on three sides by the garage, the main house, and the gym addition.
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The covered outdoor living space features an outdoor kitchen equipped with a built-in grill, a Big Green Egg, and a mini fridge. It also opens directly onto the courtyard and includes a sitting area with a tv, creating a natural hub for gathering and watching sports outside. This area, along with the gym, introduces a contemporary lifestyle element to the house thoughtfully located in the rear so as to not detract from the home’s historic character.
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Set on a golf course, the home’s surroundings also played a meaningful role in shaping the design priorities. One of the client’s must-haves was a dedicated golf simulator room. While not the most unusual request we’ve encountered, it is certainly a specialized one that required a ceiling height approximately a foot taller than the existing second-floor ceilings to accommodate the full swing experience. This unique spatial requirement influenced both the planning and structure of the addition, ensuring performance without compromising the home’s overall proportions.
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With the Masters upon us, it feels especially fitting to highlight this space. It is a perfect blend of leisure and design precision, tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. The built-in bar top seating with the plaid rug, putting green floor, and Masters art on the wall would make anyone want to put on a green jacket and eat a pimento cheese sandwich in front of the blooming azalea bushes.
