Case Studies

Molchan and Holcome Renovation and Addition
John McFarlen, JWM Architects

The circa 1870 Italianate residence underwent renovation with substantial addition located to the rear of the original structure. The home is located in the historic district of Old Wethersfield, Connecticut and therefore the proposed addition required approval by the historic commission.

Spirit Architectural software was leveraged to great effect to model and visualize the proposed additions and renovations and to convey the design impact to the historic commission, who approved the project without further deliberation.

The lot coverage on the small historic site was maximized by the increased footprint of the home and the renovated outbuilding. The one story addition consisted of a sitting room overlooking a propulsion lap pool. The sitting room is a clearstory space with high east facing windows that filters natural light down onto the floor level. The ceiling of the lap pool has a domed ceiling lit by hidden light sources. The new entrance was designed to usher arrivals to the rear of the home instead of the formal front facade. All of the new spaces look out onto a newly transformed landscaped courtyard, inclusive of a koi pond. A corner of the existing house was removed allowing for a continuous flow between the renovated kitchen, sitting room and pool area.