A two phase project that started in 1994 as a complete gutting and renovation of a late 1920’s Neo-Greek revival farm estate overlooking a large reservoir in northeast Pennsylvania. The renovation and preservation of the original house included all new mechanical and electrical systems, new replacement aluminum clad wood windows, new front porch decks, columns and railings, new 50 year asphalt shingle rood and all new interior finishes, fixtures and fittings. With a growing young family, the clients decided to enlarge the renovated kitchen/family room on the first floor and boys’ bedroom on the second floor.

The hope was to add on to the existing house while making the addition look like it had always been part of the original house. To that end, the new family room and bedroom addition capitalized on the back porch with its overhead trellis structure. The trellis structure of the porch was turned ninety degrees and run through the new family room, thus creating a sense that the new family room was created by enclosing a portion of the original back porch and trellis. The new addition includes the structure and rhythm of the trellis as well as a large three-sided expanse of steel frame casement windows that overlook the east lawn of the property.