Project Description

This house was built in the Elizabeth section of Charlotte in 1945. It was as plain as a single story house with a low pitch roof can be; really the ugly duckling of a 70% restored neighborhood.

While there were technically no historical style restraints in the area, the architect wanted to keep the house in harmony with the restored style of the surrounding homes. The architect’s plans called for a complete remake of the house with a second story and new high-pitched roof. We gutted to the bones with all interior walls stripped down to the studs. We removed all the windows and layers of aluminum and wood siding down to the sheathing. The original two bedrooms, one bath interior was converted to a five bedroom plan with four baths, two upstairs and two downstairs. Casement windows were installed throughout and Hardi plank horizontal lap siding installed. The house was completely rewired and new plumbing and mechanicals installed.

The master bedroom was constructed upstairs and a spectacular up to date bath was included with dramatic touches such as a doorless open shower with sweeping curves and a skylight.

A private deck was built into the roof accessible from the master bedroom by French doors. The downstairs incorporates a functional open plan kitchen with attractive soffit lighting. The kitchen flows into a large open family room den which incorporates a “floating” staircase with niches for art objects to set off the media room from the dining area. We fabricated the custom handrail in our own shop.

The house has now completely shed its “ugly duckling” image and is one of the better looking homes on the block, whether viewed from outside in or inside out. Plenty of space for the owner’s hot tub and additional entertainment space.