Reader & Swartz Architects imagined a 1970’s farmhouse rekindled to its old flame with a twist of modern design. transformed from plain and boring into a contemporary example of modern design capabilities, the Virginia Farmhouse renovation literally brought back life and health to its inhabiting family. Architects inform us that “the house had mold problems, and, consequently, its inhabitants had respiratory issues. ”
Imagine an old farmhouse, dressed in baby blue vinyl siding being replaced with a modern replica. How would it change?
This 1970’s farmhouse in Frederick County, Virginia, was surrounded by fully-grown trees. This was its main feature that convinced everyone the old farmhouse was worth saving. Architects say that “because of its siting, and because the owners were concerned about conserving natural resources, a decision was made not to tear down and relocate the house. Instead, the design parti was to keep the box of the original house as the central core, add two wings which help make outdoor spaces and optimize the sun path, and rethink the building massing.”
Oriented for passive solar gain and using locally sourced materials, this home has a whole list of environmentally-friendly strategies used in its design and construction.
The owners’ environmentally-conscious way of living was infused in the farmhouse renovation. Boulders found in different places were used as decor indoors and outside. This creates a strong bond between natural and man-made and this was mirrored in the whole design.
“The core of the existing house was used for the kitchen, service spaces, and children’s bedrooms. Because the existing house had typical eight foot high ceilings, we opened up the second floor above the kitchen. This new opening connects the centrally located kitchen to the children’s areas above, and drops daylight into the center of the house. One new wing is an open living room, connected to the kitchen and outdoors. The other new wing is dedicated to more private rooms, including the master suite, yoga room, and library.”
Photographed by Hoachlander Davis Photography, the renovated farmhouse re-imagined as being an inspiring version of its old self, saving time and money in the process: “Cedar tree trunks were used structurally in the kitchen and yoga room. The building is skinned in cedar siding, arranged in horizontal and vertical patterns and punctuated by art panels.” A re-imagined family home where everything has its place, right?
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