This major renovation is the perfect illustration of how KITE’s creative yet careful approach can transform even the most challenging structure into a gem. The resulting aesthetic is clean, modern, and elegant, yet approachable and contextually appropriate for its historic College Hill neighborhood.
The original residence can be best classified as “1970’s-contemporary”. At the start of the project, views to and from the residence were mostly obscured by overgrown plantings along Prospect Street and Angell Street. A key challenge was to brighten the darkened spaces and finishes.
Renovations transformed the existing structure into a new residence that is in keeping with the quality and character of the surrounding neighborhood, while maintaining the overall modern spirit of the original residence.
Exterior renovations include new cladding and windows, and a palette of materials drawn from the surrounding college hill neighborhood. Horizontal sapele wood siding replaces the existing vertical wood siding on the major volumes of the house. The minor volume defined by the garage that faces Olive Street is stucco clad to reflect the stone textures of the existing perimeter foundation wall. The site design and interior renovations improve the visibility and access to the “front door” located at the NW corner of the house.
Inside, KITE took a similar approach by enhancing the qualities of the existing floor plan and introducing subtle changes. The new open floor plan was designed to accommodate the family’s art, book, and media collection. A dramatic new stair organizes the space of the completely open plan.
Awards
Best Remodel, Marvin Architects Challenge, 2016. Bronze Design Award, Rhode Island Monthly, 2015.
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