R E S I D E N T I A L
1887 VICTORIAN
Our work on the restoration and alterations of one of the oldest homes in Glen Ridge was undertaken by an expert team of craftspeople and was featured on Season 45 of the beloved home improvement show This Old House. The charge was to incorporate a period-appropriate exterior restoration with interior alterations to update the home for 21st century living arranged for use by multiple generations.
With two full primary suites as well as generous shared spaces, the design is optimized for the owners. The rehabilitation work also drastically improved the performance and energy efficiency of the home. The envelope (roof, walls and foundation) was air-sealed with a new self-adhered air and moisture barrier and filled with a combination of dense-packed wood fiber and closed-cell foam insulation. The result is an extremely thermally efficient home that maximizes comfort for the occupants. The air-tightness is offset with a heat-recovery ventilation system that delivers constant, filtered fresh air.
A grainy photograph, discovered during the pre-design research phase in the archives of the Glen Ridge Historical Society, helped provide information necessary to produce an historically accurate reconstruction of the front porch .
Image Courtesy of the Glen Ridge Historical Society Archive
Ample windows fill the new kitchen with natural light.
We also worked with the carpenters to design and build a custom island built entirely from salvaged lumber removed during the demolition phase.
More salvaged lumber was repurposed to make a built-in bench in the mudroom that feels like a piece of period furniture.
“What immediately struck me about Daniel’s approach was his comprehensive understanding of architectural flow and historic details. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to seamlessly integrate these elements with cutting-edge building science techniques. His guidance and positive attitude made a significant impact on our project. Daniel’s unique combination of design expertise and hands-on construction skills creates a collaborative environment where both architect and contractor can shine.”
Structural deficiencies exposed during the demolition phase resulted in a re-design to the central stairwell in the home. The result is an expansive entryway with a grand staircase leading to the second floor. Integral LED step lights provide subtle illumination. An offset second run of stairs ascends to the attic level and an archway provides the opening to the basement.
An informal dining nook with east and south facing windows provides a light-filled space to start the day. An adjacent breakfast bar neatly stores the coffee station and morning appliances - easily accessible and equally easily concealed as the family runs off to work and school.
The inside of an engaged turret on the attic level became a cozy reading nook.
Full episodes of This Old House can be found on Roku, PBS and the link below :
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/glen-ridge-generational
C R E D I T S
Architecture
DKAD, LLC
Structural Engineering
PETRY ENGINEERING, LLC
Construction
DETTMORE HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Photography
THIS OLD HOUSE / RAQUEL LANGWORTHY PHOTOGRAPHY