T he windows were gapped and resisted motion in the warped wooden casings. Inside, the home's plan was confused, having made a transition from residential to commercial use some years before. Plaster walls flaked, the bathrooms and kitchen needed more than an update. The exterior was chipped, stained and exposed. The house was not exactly in move-in condition. It was, in a word, tired. But, you might be tired at nearly 200 years old, also.
The home's saving grace? Owners with an open mind and architects with a vision-and the building's own "good bones." In the construction world, "bones," or the major structural components, are a decision-making factor in whether or not a renovation or restoration is feasible or whether the building is in more serious trouble.
Once it was determined the structure was suitable for a renovation, there was another factor to consider. The home is located in the Constitution historic district (classification H-1) in downtown along the North Limestone corridor, meaning that elements of the home and property must meet certain standards and must be approved by the Board of Architectural Review (BOAR).
In Lexington, there are nearly 2,000 properties included in H-1 zoning. The first historic district designation went to Gratz Park in 1958, and others have followed over the years-Bell Court (1990) and South Ashland (1989) are two other examples. The areas are full of unique and important architecture that is worth preserving, but some contend the restrictions of H-1 make it difficult to save the buildings.
Not so, says John DeHart, a principle and partner in Thought Space Architects and Interior Design-the company that took on the challenge of conceiving a suitable redesign for the home on North Limestone. "There are things you have to work within in a historic district, but people have the impression that it's more limiting than it is. The rooms that were original to the home maintained very classic design. And the renovation areas-the addition-was designed to pay homage to the original structure."
Glancing at the front of the home, it would be easy to think that the restoration is only that-a traditional reincarnation of the original home and nothing more. And the view from Limestone-full of traditional styling, original molding, copper gutters and paned windows-belies the magnitude and imagination of a truly modern project.
Designed to meet the homeowner's desire to, among other things, accommodate outdoor entertaining, the back patio space is a major feature of the home. Described as a "contemporary courtyard," the space features a perennial garden and koi pond which are hemmed in neatly by the modern carriage house on one end and the home's back exterior on the other-a striking arrangement of large copper shingles studded with windows and a small balcony just off the master bath.
On the side of the courtyard, a covered walkway marrying steel joists with large wooden beams reminiscent of an old barn joins the carriage and main house-another example of the "calculated contrast" that was so intentional in this project.
The homeowners wanted to "have a modern and functional home, while still preserving the history of the original structure," according to DeHart. The modernity of the addition is clear, but things like the original staircase, flooring and molding remained and are highlighted by the juxtaposition of the two design styles. And, while it was a challenge, he still speaks of the project with a fondness.
"That balcony is a great example of the process," DeHart said, referring to the partnership between architect and owner. "It wasn't originally in the plans, but we were standing up here one day and they said, 'I'd love to have someplace to have my coffee and read the paper in the morning.'"
Kimberli Bragg, a principle and partner in Thought Space shares the same commitment and attitude to service and details as does DeHart, and it's evident in their work-all of which is collaborative. Both Bragg and DeHart are architects, Bragg also is a certified interior designer, DeHart is a licensed general contractor-both are artists.
The mix of skills and coordinated partnership makes a unique offering for a small firm-and their work ranges from residential to commercial (Big Ass Fans Corporate Headquarters and the Woodford Equine Hospital) and even to farm design.
And DeHart and Bragg wouldn't try to sell you anything they wouldn't buy. The two share a home just across the street on Limestone that they live in, keep an office in, and are in the process of renovating.
For more Thought Space projects, visit www.thoughtspace-pllc.com.