4140 Battersea Road
This project included an extensive renovation and addition in Coconut Grove.
The original one-story 1,700 sf bungalow was built in 1933, though square footage was added over time, including a 1980’s two-story wing and a projecting front entry and Florida room off the original house. As a result, the original character was lost and new challenges were created, including poorly-designed elevational changes inside; a “snout house” appearance (with the two-car garage addition along the front); and an undulating front façade with poor composition. The building suffered structural deficiencies; ceilings were low and covered with mold; and finishes and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were completely outdated. In 2013, after five years on the market, a new owner purchased the property. Rather than demolish it, she preserved the original design intent, finding redeeming qualities to bring back to life. Her approach was to minimize impact on the landfill while keeping the project as cost-efficient as possible.
In addition to gutting the interior, we eliminated the “snout house” condition – enclosing the garage and relocating parking to the rear. We cleaned up the lines of the front façade, eliminating the entry projection and creating a long porch that was in line with the two-story wing. We replaced the roof of the one-story component to heighten the interior space. All the while, we were able to eliminate faux Mediterranean elements to provide a contemporary Tropical Modern style, also creating greater depth and shadow. The addition of a master bedroom wing, pool and a free-standing cabana also created an intimate courtyard experience.
The original one-story 1,700 sf bungalow was built in 1933, though square footage was added over time, including a 1980’s two-story wing and a projecting front entry and Florida room off the original house. As a result, the original character was lost and new challenges were created, including poorly-designed elevational changes inside; a “snout house” appearance (with the two-car garage addition along the front); and an undulating front façade with poor composition. The building suffered structural deficiencies; ceilings were low and covered with mold; and finishes and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were completely outdated. In 2013, after five years on the market, a new owner purchased the property. Rather than demolish it, she preserved the original design intent, finding redeeming qualities to bring back to life. Her approach was to minimize impact on the landfill while keeping the project as cost-efficient as possible.
In addition to gutting the interior, we eliminated the “snout house” condition – enclosing the garage and relocating parking to the rear. We cleaned up the lines of the front façade, eliminating the entry projection and creating a long porch that was in line with the two-story wing. We replaced the roof of the one-story component to heighten the interior space. All the while, we were able to eliminate faux Mediterranean elements to provide a contemporary Tropical Modern style, also creating greater depth and shadow. The addition of a master bedroom wing, pool and a free-standing cabana also created an intimate courtyard experience.