Launch Slideshow

Award-Winning Renovations of Architectural Icons

Play Slideshow >>

Award-Winning Renovations of Architectural Icons

  • The house, right, sits adjacent to another home designed by Schindler.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB18%2Etmp_tcm48-1218745.jpg

    The house, right, sits adjacent to another home designed by Schindler.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    2012 RADA
    Restoration/Preservation / Merit 
    Schindler House on Ellis Avenue, Inglewood, Calif.
    Ehrlich Architects, Culver City, Calif.

    The house sits adjacent to another home designed by Schindler.
  • The new front yard features drought-tolerant plantings and a communal garden where neighbors sit and share coffee.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB1A%2Etmp_tcm48-1218768.jpg

    The new front yard features drought-tolerant plantings and a communal garden where neighbors sit and share coffee.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    The new front yard features drought-tolerant plantings and a communal garden where neighbors sit and share coffee.

  • The architect removed a piece of cabinetry between the kitchen and living room.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB1B%2Etmp_tcm48-1218779.jpg

    The architect removed a piece of cabinetry between the kitchen and living room.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    The architect removed a piece of cabinetry between the kitchen and living room.

  • New white oak floors match the width and wood species of the original flooring.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB1C%2Etmp_tcm48-1218791.jpg

    New white oak floors match the width and wood species of the original flooring.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    New white oak floors match the width and wood species of the original flooring.

  • The restored house has LED lighting; wooden window and door frames were preserved and fitted with tempered glass.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB51%2Etmp_tcm48-1218802.jpg

    The restored house has LED lighting; wooden window and door frames were preserved and fitted with tempered glass.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    The restored house has LED lighting; wooden window and door frames were preserved and fitted with tempered glass.

  • Living room before. Ehrlich forensically reconstructed and refinished built-ins and furniture and restored the fireplace.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB52%2Etmp_tcm48-1218812.jpg

    Living room before. Ehrlich forensically reconstructed and refinished built-ins and furniture and restored the fireplace.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    Living room before. Ehrlich forensically reconstructed and refinished built-ins and furniture and restored the fireplace.

  • Living room after. Custom kitchen cabinets are made of layered maple plywood with a laminate skin.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB56%2Etmp_tcm48-1218822.jpg

    Living room after. Custom kitchen cabinets are made of layered maple plywood with a laminate skin.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    Living room after. Custom kitchen cabinets are made of layered maple plywood with a laminate skin.

  • Bedroom before.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB57%2Etmp_tcm48-1218829.jpg

    Bedroom before.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    Bedroom before.

  • Bedroom after.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB73%2Etmp_tcm48-1218845.jpg

    Bedroom after.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    Bedroom after.

  • In the backyard, an existing 70-year-old grapevine grows over a new galvanized steel trellis, inspired by the sleeping porches of Schindlers Kings Road house.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB74%2Etmp_tcm48-1218855.jpg

    In the backyard, an existing 70-year-old grapevine grows over a new galvanized steel trellis, inspired by the sleeping porches of Schindlers Kings Road house.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    In the backyard, an existing 70-year-old grapevine grows over a new galvanized steel trellis, inspired by the sleeping porches of Schindler’s Kings Road house.

  • The patio view from the house.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB75%2Etmp_tcm48-1218865.jpg

    The patio view from the house.

    600

    Grant Mudford

    The patio view from the house.

  • Image

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBB19%2Etmp_tcm48-1218757.jpg

    Image

    600

    nmarble

  • The contractor restored the entire structure of this 1959 Frank Lloyd Wright house. Architect Richard Williams chose period furnishings that respect the houses authority and powerful setting.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD755%2Etmp_tcm48-748057.jpg

    The contractor restored the entire structure of this 1959 Frank Lloyd Wright house. Architect Richard Williams chose period furnishings that respect the houses authority and powerful setting.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    2011 rada
    Restoration/Preservation / Merit 
    Restoration of the Luis Marden House, McLean, Va.
    Richard Williams Architects, Washington, D.C.

    The contractor restored the entire structure of this 1959 Frank Lloyd Wright house. Architect Richard Williams chose period furnishings that respect the houses authority and powerful setting.
  • The linear house perches near the edge of Potomac River rapids.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD754%2Etmp_tcm48-748049.jpg

    The linear house perches near the edge of Potomac River rapids.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    The linear house perches near the edge of Potomac River rapids.

  • The dining room has a spectacular view of the river below and conveys a sense of prospect and refuge.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD753%2Etmp_tcm48-748041.jpg

    The dining room has a spectacular view of the river below and conveys a sense of prospect and refuge.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    The dining room has a spectacular view of the river below and conveys a sense of prospect and refuge.

  • The house??s simplicity and massing, shown here in the entry court, recall other late Usonian houses.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD757%2Etmp_tcm48-748073.jpg

    The house??s simplicity and massing, shown here in the entry court, recall other late Usonian houses.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    The house's simplicity and massing, shown here in the entry court, recall other late Usonian houses.

  • Cupped and damaged mahogany ceilings panels were repaired and put back together.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD75C%2Etmp_tcm48-748112.jpg

    Cupped and damaged mahogany ceilings panels were repaired and put back together.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    Cupped and damaged mahogany ceilings panels were repaired and put back together.

  • Original recessed down lights, like those in the master bedroom, were restored and supplemented with atmospheric lighting.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD75B%2Etmp_tcm48-748104.jpg

    Original recessed down lights, like those in the master bedroom, were restored and supplemented with atmospheric lighting.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    Original recessed down lights, like those in the master bedroom, were restored and supplemented with atmospheric lighting.

  • Here, the living and dining room areas are seen at dawn. The kitchen received new high-end cabinetry and concrete countertops.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD75A%2Etmp_tcm48-748096.jpg

    Here, the living and dining room areas are seen at dawn. The kitchen received new high-end cabinetry and concrete countertops.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    Here, the living and dining room areas are seen at dawn. The kitchen received new high-end cabinetry and concrete countertops.

  • The restoration included refurbishing original red concrete floors, shown here in the guest room.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD758%2Etmp_tcm48-748081.jpg

    The restoration included refurbishing original red concrete floors, shown here in the guest room.

    600

    Robert Lautman

    The restoration included refurbishing original red concrete floors, shown here in the guest room.

  • Few of Wright??s buildings from his Usonian period were sited with such a dramatic backdrop as this project by Williams.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD759%2Etmp_tcm48-747289.jpg

    Few of Wright??s buildings from his Usonian period were sited with such a dramatic backdrop as this project by Williams.

    557

    Few of Wright's buildings from his Usonian period were sited with such a dramatic backdrop as this project by Williams.

  • The site and floor plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD756%2Etmp_tcm48-748065.jpg

    The site and floor plan.

    600

    Courtesy Richard Williams Architects

    The site and floor plan.

  • Removing all the interior walls revealed floor-to-ceiling window openings that couldnt be experienced in the original plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD711%2Etmp_tcm48-747513.jpg

    Removing all the interior walls revealed floor-to-ceiling window openings that couldnt be experienced in the original plan.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    2011 RADA
    Restoration/Preservation / Grand
    Record House Revisited, Owings Mills, Md.
    David Jameson Architect, Washington, D.C.

    Removing all the interior walls revealed floor-to-ceiling window openings that couldn't be experienced in the original plan.
  • An allee of walnut casework defines the public areas.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD70D%2Etmp_tcm48-747481.jpg

    An allee of walnut casework defines the public areas.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    An allee of walnut casework defines the public areas.

  • A computer area occupies a niche on axis with the glass entry node.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD70E%2Etmp_tcm48-747489.jpg

    A computer area occupies a niche on axis with the glass entry node.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    A computer area occupies a niche on axis with the glass entry node.

  • The smooth opalescence of Corian casework in the kitchen, mudroom, and bath is a textural counterpoint to the white brick and plaster.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD710%2Etmp_tcm48-747505.jpg

    The smooth opalescence of Corian casework in the kitchen, mudroom, and bath is a textural counterpoint to the white brick and plaster.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    The smooth opalescence of Corian casework in the kitchen, mudroom, and bath is a textural counterpoint to the white brick and plaster.

  • The skylight-encircled chimney stands as an obelisk.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD712%2Etmp_tcm48-747521.jpg

    The skylight-encircled chimney stands as an obelisk.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    The skylight-encircled chimney stands as an obelisk.

  • The opposite view from the glass entryway, looking toward the public area from the bedroom pavilion.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD715%2Etmp_tcm48-747545.jpg

    The opposite view from the glass entryway, looking toward the public area from the bedroom pavilion.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    The opposite view from the glass entryway, looking toward the public area from the bedroom pavilion.

  • The glassy living spaces open to a full-length deck.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD713%2Etmp_tcm48-747529.jpg

    The glassy living spaces open to a full-length deck.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    The glassy living spaces open to a full-length deck.

  • Site plan for the project.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD714%2Etmp_tcm48-747537.jpg

    Site plan for the project.

    600

    Ron Southwick

    Site plan for the project.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A4F%2Etmp_tcm48-262179.jpg

    600

    Robert Batey

    2008 RADA
    Renovation / Grand
    Weeks House, Louisville, Tenn.
    Brian Pittman, Assoc. AIA, And Bruce McCarty, FAIA, Knoxville, Tenn.

    The former summer residence now serves as a comfortable home for year-round living.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A50%2Etmp_tcm48-262186.jpg

    600

    Robert Batey

    His remodel included a skillful interior makeover; a new guesthouse attached to the main house by a breezeway; and cleaned-up and redefined outdoor rooms.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A51%2Etmp_tcm48-262193.jpg

    600

    Brian Pittman

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A52%2Etmp_tcm48-262200.jpg

    600

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A53%2Etmp_tcm48-262207.jpg

    600

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A55%2Etmp_tcm48-262221.jpg

    600

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A54%2Etmp_tcm48-262214.jpg

    600

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A56%2Etmp_tcm48-262228.jpg

    600

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp6A60%2Etmp_tcm48-262235.jpg

    600

    Architect Brian Pittman ushered it into the 21st century with a sure and gentle hand. His remodel included a skillful interior makeover; a new guesthouse attached to the main house by a breezeway; and cleaned-up and redefined outdoor rooms.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H1_tcm48-287961.jpg

    600

    Assassi Productions

    2004 RADA
    Renovation / Grand
    Mankins-Camp Residence, San Francisco
    Substance Architects, Des Moines, Iowa

    The street-level entry was pared down and simplified, both inside and out, in order to emphasize its angular architecture.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H5_tcm48-287996.jpg

    600

    Assassi Productions

    Interior walls were eliminated and storage areas were recessed into the walls so that views from all living spaces would remain unobstructed and open.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H2_tcm48-287970.jpg

    600

    Assassi Productions

    The stair down to the lower level was also reorganized so that skyline views could be seen from the front door.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H4_tcm48-287987.jpg

    600

    Assassi Productions

    The street-level entry was pared down and simplified, both inside and out, in order to emphasize its angular architecture.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H3_tcm48-287976.jpg

    563

    Assassi Productions

    The stair down to the lower level was also reorganized so that skyline views could be seen from the front door.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H6_tcm48-288002.jpg

    533

    upper level before

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H9_tcm48-288026.jpg

    533

    upper level after

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H7_tcm48-288010.jpg

    464

    lower level before

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA040501074H8_tcm48-288018.jpg

    466

    lower level after

  • Image

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp95F%2Etmp_tcm48-399577.jpg

    Image

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    2010 RADA
    Restoration/Preservation / Grand
    The Spreter Studio, Gladwyne, Pa.
    Martin Jay Rosenblum, AIA & Associates, Philadelphia
  • Studio elevation before the renovation.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp960%2Etmp_tcm48-399586.jpg

    Studio elevation before the renovation.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    Studio elevation before the renovation.

  • Studio elevation after the renovation.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp961%2Etmp_tcm48-399595.jpg

    Studio elevation after the renovation.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    Studio elevation after the original additions and renovation.

  • The studio after the additions were demolished. The original studio was oriented to maximize northern light and capitalize on views of Mill Creek, while the garage was oriented toward an existing barn. This interplay of orientations gave the studio its unique geometry.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp96B%2Etmp_tcm48-399676.jpg

    The studio after the additions were demolished. The original studio was oriented to maximize northern light and capitalize on views of Mill Creek, while the garage was oriented toward an existing barn. This interplay of orientations gave the studio its unique geometry.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The studio after the additions were demolished. The original studio was oriented to maximize northern light and capitalize on views of Mill Creek, while the garage was oriented toward an existing barn. This interplay of orientations gave the studio its unique geometry.

  • The bridge is tapered to tuck behind the reconstructed stone parapet on the south elevation.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp964%2Etmp_tcm48-399622.jpg

    The bridge is tapered to tuck behind the reconstructed stone parapet on the south elevation.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The bridge is tapered to tuck behind the reconstructed stone parapet on the south elevation.

  • The new bridge and restored studio, viewed from the house.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp96F%2Etmp_tcm48-399712.jpg

    The new bridge and restored studio, viewed from the house.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The new bridge and restored studio, viewed from the house.

  • With its mid-20th-century appendages removed, the studios setting and massing are exposed.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp96C%2Etmp_tcm48-399685.jpg

    With its mid-20th-century appendages removed, the studios setting and massing are exposed.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    With its mid-20th-century appendages removed, the studios setting and massing are exposed.

  • Restoration involved welding new columns around the originals and reinforcing the water-damaged chicken-wire floor deck with steel.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp962%2Etmp_tcm48-399604.jpg

    Restoration involved welding new columns around the originals and reinforcing the water-damaged chicken-wire floor deck with steel.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    Restoration involved welding new columns around the originals and reinforcing the water-damaged chicken-wire floor deck with steel.

  • Guests are often treated to cocktails and music at the studio.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp969%2Etmp_tcm48-399658.jpg

    Guests are often treated to cocktails and music at the studio.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    Guests are often treated to cocktails and music at the studio.

  • The living room focuses its view on the studio.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp963%2Etmp_tcm48-399613.jpg

    The living room focuses its view on the studio.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The living room focuses its view on the studio.

  • The foyer of the studio, now used as a private art gallery.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp966%2Etmp_tcm48-399631.jpg

    The foyer of the studio, now used as a private art gallery.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The foyer of the studio, now used as a private art gallery.

  • The sculptural stairway before.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp967%2Etmp_tcm48-399640.jpg

    The sculptural stairway before.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The sculptural stairway before.

  • The sculptural stairway after.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp968%2Etmp_tcm48-399649.jpg

    The sculptural stairway after.

    600

    Jeffrey Totaro

    The sculptural stairway after.

  • The finished site plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp96E%2Etmp_tcm48-399703.jpg

    The finished site plan.

    600

    Courtesy Martin Jay Rosenblum

    The finished site plan.

  • This remodeled kitchen represents an effort to project the vocabulary of Richard Neutrathe houses original architectinto the present day.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBACC%2Etmp_tcm48-1218117.jpg

    This remodeled kitchen represents an effort to project the vocabulary of Richard Neutrathe houses original architectinto the present day.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    2012 RADA
    Kitchen / Merit
    Neutra Glen Residence, Stamford, Conn.
    Joeb Moore + Partners, Greenwich, Conn.

    This remodeled kitchen represents an effort to project the vocabulary of Richard Neutra—the house’s original architect—into the present day.
  • The project clearly distinguishes between new and restoration.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBACD%2Etmp_tcm48-1218128.jpg

    The project clearly distinguishes between new and restoration.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    The project clearly distinguishes between new and restoration.

  • The original kitchen.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBAD2%2Etmp_tcm48-1218165.jpg

    The original kitchen.

    600

    Courtesy Joeb Moore + Partners

    The original kitchen.

  • Stainless steel columnsso slender that they are practically two-dimensionalmark the path of the partition that isolated the original kitchen from the living and dining areas.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBACE%2Etmp_tcm48-1218135.jpg

    Stainless steel columnsso slender that they are practically two-dimensionalmark the path of the partition that isolated the original kitchen from the living and dining areas.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    Stainless steel columns—so slender that they are practically two-dimensional—mark the path of the partition that isolated the original kitchen from the living and dining areas.

  • Knife-edge stainless steel counters top the gloss-white base cabinets. The uppers are acid-washed steel.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBACF%2Etmp_tcm48-1218144.jpg

    Knife-edge stainless steel counters top the gloss-white base cabinets. The uppers are acid-washed steel.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    Knife-edge stainless steel counters top the gloss-white base cabinets. The uppers are acid-washed steel.

  • The new columns are nearly invisible when viewed head-on.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBAD0%2Etmp_tcm48-1218149.jpg

    The new columns are nearly invisible when viewed head-on.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    The new columns are nearly invisible when viewed head-on.

  • Blackened steel plate wraps the doorway to the houses back hall.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBAD1%2Etmp_tcm48-1218160.jpg

    Blackened steel plate wraps the doorway to the houses back hall.

    600

    Michael Biondo

    Blackened steel plate wraps the doorway to the house’s back hall.

  • The kitchen in axonometric view.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpBAD3%2Etmp_tcm48-1218176.jpg

    The kitchen in axonometric view.

    600

    Courtesy Joeb Moore + Partners

    The kitchen in axonometric view.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1895258483_CH060901083_1_tcm48-1807983.jpg

    600

    Daproza, Johanna

    2007 CHDA
    Custom Home/More Than 5,000 Square Feet / Merit
    New Canaan Conn., Residence
    Joeb Moore + Partners, Greenwich, Conn.

    The home's all-new second level is sheathed in metal and elevated a few inches above the rebuilt cedar-clad first floor.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1848242797_canaan22_tcm48-1807959.jpg

    450

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1609435694_canaan33_tcm48-1807960.jpg

    450

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1445503670_canaan77_tcm48-1807961.jpg

    215

    The new building continues the old house's strong relationship to the outdoors and uses radiant heat, bluestone floors, and lots of glass, just like its predecessor.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1836800314_CH060901083_2_tcm48-1807991.jpg

    600

    Daproza, Johanna

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/2047579911_CH060901083_3_tcm48-1807999.jpg

    600

    Prutting & Co. Custom Builders

Whether restoring, remodeling, or completely rebuilding, the prospect of making any changes to a house designed by a respected architect can be daunting. This collection of updated projects includes originals by Rudolph Schindler, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Charles H. Richter, Felder Weeks, Aaron Green, and Eliot Noyes. Definitely a tough acts to follow.

The architects who painstakingly brought these houses back to life not only took into consideration existing architecture, but also the intentions of the initial designers. This meant research on other works by those master architects, design trends of the time, plus finding appropriate finishes and products to fit the style. Across the board, the biggest challenge was changing floor plans for clients’ contemporary lifestyles without altering the spirit of the house. Restraint is the word for that part of the process. Many of the updates required knocking down interior walls and replacing or expanding glazing to strengthen outdoor connections and open living areas. Several of the houses had undergone less sensitive remodels or additions, so getting back to the original architect’s layout figured highly into the new design. When renovating an Aaron Green house for his twin brother, Paul Mankins, FAIA, explains that “a lot of the solution was mainly getting rid of the bad stuff.”

Replacing outdated systems and crumbling structural components without destroying too much of the architecture was also a big hurdle. Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, viewed it as an opportunity to make the Schindler house he restored as green as possible. He did such a good job that his daughter and her family now own the house, so Ehrlich continues to enjoy his meticulous hard work. Another benefit for all of the architects who successfully revised these masterworks—they all received a Residential Architect or Custom Home Design Award for their efforts.