Historic restoration is arguably one of the biggest trends in architecture today, perhaps because the ability to reimagine a space while preserving it in time makes it an extraordinarily fascinating practice. On top of the craft and skills required to update existing structures with respect to their historic details, architects must work within strict limitations, advocating for their clients’ visions while meeting the requirements of local preservation organizations. EL Studio recently completed the renovation of the Kent Residence, a project in Washington, D.C., that exemplifies the balance between the past and present.
For this decidedly modern and energetic young family of five (plus a dog) who loves to be with each other and with friends, the location was right, the size was right, but the house, as it was, was all wrong. The interior was carved into small, confined rooms that felt isolated from each other. Extraneous and historically incompatible detailing intensified the feeling of confinement.
STRATEGY WITH ADAPTABILITY
The Kent Residence, built in 1929, was a modest Craftsman bungalow, laboring beneath several insensitive and over-scaled expansions that had eradicated much of its charm. The completed project, which was delivered in November 2021, involved the careful relocation of alterations made by the home’s prior owner. Two additions in the front were moved to the back, keeping intact the original volume of the house.
In the process of renovating the house, a significant amount of existing elements had to be removed; most of them were in poor condition. The decision to stipulate certain details for preservation was made, highlighting the nuance in balancing historical integrity with practical considerations.
To meet modern installation requirements, the team faced the challenge of opening walls to install insulation on the inside and outside of the wall structure. However, the endeavor proved to be cost-prohibitive when it came to retaining specific historic details, like baseboards and moldings. Despite initial attempts to preserve historic elements on the original exterior walls, the strategy had to shift because of cost.
One notable change in construction strategy involved the staircases. Rather than rebuild the staircase structure on the first, second and third floors, a new stair compliant with contemporary codes was constructed for the basement, complete with a new handrail. The third-floor stair, initially fully enclosed, had its wall removed. This resulted in a combination of two levels of stairs—one new and one existing, with the existing structure being opened to the home.
The topmost volume of the house, not part of the original design, was removed and added to the back for aesthetic reasons, making it invisible from the front view. This decision was driven by the need to enhance the overall aesthetics while addressing the impracticality of the original floor plate.
CLIENT REQUESTS
A significant challenge prominently faced in cities that are steeped in history is finding the balance between preservation and innovation. EL Studio understood that the Kent Residence demanded this delicate approach. While clients typically seek modern amenities, like large open spaces, the team ensured that scale and proportion of the historic structure remained intact. Striking this balance ensures the past was preserved though the building serves contemporary purposes.
functional, commodious space, including a kitchen with three distinct zones.
Amidst the home’s historical considerations, EL Studio did not overlook the human element. The team listened attentively to the clients’ visions and needs and integrated these into the renovation process to ensure the home serves a practical and functional purpose today.
For example, the homeowners sought a large, open kitchen and dining space. Based on the design team’s understanding of the clients’ habits and patterns, the kitchen was designed in three distinct zones: Zone one includes the main kitchen area with large, everyday appliances; a pantry adjacent to the great room serves as zone two and provides prep space, the freezer and countertop appliances; the third zone features a bar on the opposite side of the pantry wall with a full-height beverage refrigerator, glassware storage and a glassware-specific dishwasher.
Although the clients lost 4,500 square feet during the renovation, they gained more functional, commodious space in a new bedroom and two full bathrooms. The renovation reflects adaptation to evolving living patterns and behaviors, updated according to contemporary life.
The renovation took a total of 14 months, beginning right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Although construction was able to continue, there were disruptions in the supply chain that delayed the arrival of certain materials and appliances.
The Kent Residence renovation stands as a testament to the intersection of old and new. Located in a history-rich area, the initial house posed challenges that EL Studio’s renovation deftly addressed. Editing and refining, the design team subtracted intrusive elements, added open spaces, and transformed the structure into a gathering place for family and friends. The result is a house that seamlessly integrates warmth and expansiveness, fitting just right for its occupants.
PHOTOS: StudioHDP
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT: EL Studio PLLC
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Added Dimensions Construction
Materials
KITCHEN: Henrybuilt
WINDOWS AND BIFOLD DOOR: Weather Shield
SIDING: Hardie Artisan from JamesHardie
FIREPLACE: Duravent
PLUMBING FIXTURES: Watermark and Duravit
PORCELAIN TILE: Mutina
STAIRWAY LIGHTING: Leros Trimless LED from Astro
CONCRETE SINK: Kast
DECK MATERIAL: Benchmark Ash from Thermory
FLOORING AND STAIR TREADS: Plain-sawn White Oak with Custom Stain
