Willow Oak Residence
WILLOW OAK RESIDENCE
PROJECT INFO
Type: Residential
Scope: Renovation/Addition
Location: Falls Church, VA
General Contractor:
Falcon Construction, Inc.
Photography:
Anice Hoachlander
Awards:
2003 Excellence in Design Award - Falls Church Village Society
Award of Merit: Old-House Renovation, Remodeling Design Awards; Remodeling Magazine; October 2005
Award of Merit - AIA Washington DC Design Awards
Publications:
Remodeling Magazine; October 2005, page 102; ‘Award of Merit’: Old-House Renovation, Design Awards
Originally built in 1889 a short walk from the old East Falls Church rail station, the vaguely reminiscent gothic Victorian was a landmark in a neighborhood of late 19th century wood frame homes. The two story house had been changed many times over its 116 year life with most of the changes diminishing the style and integrity of the original home. The house was in serious need of a significant renovation and restoration. A young family purchased the house and immediately realized the inadequacies; sub-par spaces, kitchen, bathrooms and systems. The program for this project was closely linked to aesthetics, function, and budget. Critically important to the program was to not only protect the integrity of the original house, but to restore and expand the house in such a way that the addition would be seamless.
Before
The entire exterior of the house was stripped to the original sheathing. Each of the details on the exterior of the house now match the original details. The second floor addition was removed, facilitating the restoration of the four sided mansard roof tower. The final design for the house is strong but not overpowering. As a renovated house, the finished product fits the neighborhood, restoring its standing as a landmark, satisfying the owner’s needs for house and home.
