Braunbeck Residence

Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

Renovation and over-build of an existing suburban home to an airy modern escape

Three big ideas:

Adaptive-Reuse,
Minimal,
Open-Plan

Many homeowners would have walked away from the existing Newtown Square property with its chronic water problems and awkward layout.  But the owners had a vision that it could be transformed into a light-filled, minimalist refuge from a hectic world.  Working closely together, Re:Vision and the owners simplified and reduced the building footprint while turning a partial second story into a spacious full-story with vaulted ceilings.  The ground floor was opened up, including strategically placed windows and doors to complement existing openings and connect with the expansive back yard.  A continuous layer of insulation and weather barrier was carefully added over the multiple existing wall types (stone, block, and wood frame).  The site around the house was regraded to prevent future water issues.  This gut renovation is made to last!

Fast Facts

Existing stone walls were left in place and overbuilt instead of being demolished and sent to a landfill

Large format 4’ x 4’ floor tile unifies the entire ground floor

The building design is based on Passive House design priniciples for energy conservation

New design created a level main floor instead of the original which had multiple steps and levels

Basement waterproofing issues were addressed and isolated from main level living spaces

““We hired Re:Vision to design our main house and couldn't be happier. We wanted a very contemporary look that took into consideration passive house principles. Everyone we worked with at the firm was very knowledgeable. It was truly a collaborative effort to get to where we wanted as owners while keeping an eye on budget. We would absolutely work with them again on future projects.” ”

– Matt Braunbeck

Project Gallery

The main bathroom feels like a calming modernist spa with sklights above.
What used to be a dark and tired staircase is now an open and elegant wood stair with a glass railing uniting the two floors of the house.
The existing brick fireplace was refaced with board formed cast concrete and a custom steel surround welded by the architect.
The minimal simplicity of the interior that is visually connected to the outdoors in all rooms supports a growing young family.
The new front patio is covered with a cantilevered canopy with a rainchain to an inset water collection bed.
The renovation opened up the existing house from wall to wall creating light and airy spaces.
The existing home was overbuilt with a second story and new roof, then completely reclad with energy efficient walls and windows.
The minimalist interiors are unified by three foot square porcelain floor tiles throughout the main level.
The upper level rooms, in sharp contrast to the original home, are vaulted with views to the lush backyard woods.
BACK TO ALL PROJECTS
Scroll to Top