WEST ROAD RESIDENCE

CT, United States

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WEST ROAD RESIDENCE

CT, United States

Firm

JMKA | architects

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2012

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

The project allowed us to take a very detailed analysis of this Alan Gelbin residence built in the 1960’s in New Canaan, Connecticut. Alan Gelbin was a Fellow of Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin prior to opening his own firm. He referred to this residence as his finest work.

The renovation preserved the original materials and details. The new additions used the same dimensions and proportions as the original residence. The curved walls are a continuation of the original radius, the open slated walls were mimicked from a similar used detailed element in another part of the residence, any expansions were kept well within the deep overhangs. The new chimney was built to the same proportions as another chimney on the residence.

Although the residence had an abundance of light sources- the residence had a number of “dark” spots through out. New skylights were built to the original domes and a new front entry became the glass “ice cube”- void of any corners, expanding the perimeter all while letting in an abundance of bright daylight to what was originally a very dark area. This new entry, with added light and added height has now become a gathering space for guests for small talk before continuing into the curved entry hall that leads you to the living room.

The existing guesthouse that is attached to the main structure by a covered walkway was redesigned with fewer steps allowing for a more generous entry in to the space. The ceiling was raised in the main living area and is surrounded by clerestory windows and the domed skylights matching the ones in the main residence. The exterior material for the 4’ raising of the ceiling is a lead coated copper- this material was chosen so over time its patina will age to look like the bark of the trees and therefore allowing the original horizontal lines of the mahogany eaves and white stucco walls to remain as originally designed.

The mechanicals of the house were also replaced with a geothermal system. The original design of the house showed a radiant heated floor that was never built- the geothermal system allowed us to install the radiant heat. The flat roof, clearly an influence of Frank Lloyd Wright but not the ideal roof for the east coast, a green roof was installed to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while at the same time doubling the life expectancy of the eco-white EPDM membrane roof.

The final result is a mid-century modern that has been updated and adapted to any family in 2014. A large bright entry, a new mudroom, an enlarged master bathroom, an enlarged and well lite guest house that also doubles as a private art gallery, an updated “green” mechanical system, energy conscious light system as well as a live roof to keep the residence cooler and warmer throughout the year.