Coty Award Project
Published: 04/08/2010 by Beth Puliti
Gene and Louise Malady’s 60-year-old wood-framed Cape Cod was cosmetically well-maintained, but showed major signs of structural stress and fatigue due, in part, to several additions and renovations that took place over the home’s lifetime.
Though the small size and layout of the house was not conducive to the Malady family, it sat on a beautiful private, wooded two-acre site in Elwyn. Instead of relocating, the Maladys decided to perform extensive renovations to their home.
“The home was too small and lacked a distinctive style but was situated on a lot with amazing potential,” explains Gene.
Outdoor Inspiration
The transformation focused on enhancing the functionality of the house to better accommodate the homeowners’ standard of living while also addressing structural issues. The Maladys selected Joe Augustine of JFA Architecture, P.C., for the project after interviewing several architects.
When the homeowners first met with their architect, they were not sure of the extent of the project or the associated costs. Once they understood the potential for the project, it quickly grew in scope.
“We began with discussions about ideas and space planning, including the rooms we desired, the sizes of those rooms and how we saw ourselves using the home,” shares Gene. “We had collected some ideas of things that we liked, such as pictures of windows and doors, and this helped Joe in developing the aesthetic of the home.”
Space and function were not the only additions to the house. A design aesthetic the homeowners appreciated was incorporated as well: the American Craftsman style. Varying rooflines, dormers, deep overhangs, cedar brackets, different textures of exterior materials and colors were chosen based on the Craftsman aesthetic and the desire to make the home feel as if it were part of the surrounding landscape.
“When we initially met with the Maladys to review the project, the lasting impression was their strong affection for the Craftsman style. Because of the owners’ love of the outdoor spaces, they appreciated the design that integrated the house with the site,” Augustine says.
The homeowners referred to the site and landscape for inspiration when selecting material and shades of paint. The colors chosen were all natural browns, grays and tans.
A Perfect Partnership
JFA Architecture, P.C., designed a plan that transformed the Malady’s house from a modest Cape Cod into a more comfortable home with relevant living space, traditional character and well-coordinated details.
During the early stages of the design process, the architect encouraged the Maladys to interview and select a builder. Augustine explained to the owner that each party has a unique role they must contribute to the project. A successful project is contingent upon the owner, architect and contractor working together with their respective skills to form a collaborative team.
The Maladys chose J. Schwartz, LLC Fine Home Building as their builder. Gene was impressed with the high-quality work he saw in the portfolio provided by Joe Schwartz. “Joe’s educational background as an engineering graduate impressed me. His professionalism was evidenced by his demeanor and presentation,” he says. “Most importantly, I could tell that he saw the project as a challenge that he was excited to take on.”
The architect and contractor paid careful attention to weave the Craftsman aesthetic throughout the entire home by replacing the millwork, windows and siding in their entirety.
Details Make the Difference
Inside, the home was finished with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, marble bath floors, a steam shower, site-finished oak floors and custom stairs and rails. The electrical system was replaced in its entirety, which included new ambient, accent, task and decorative lighting. A multi-zoned HVAC system was also installed.
Outside, finely-crafted details and materials were used, such as exterior cedar brackets, a flagstone entry stair and planter, the stucco and stone façade, half-round gutters and beadboard soffits.
Another important part of the transformation was to remedy a failing foundation system. This was accomplished by jacking up the house and removing old foundation walls and footings, which were replaced where necessary for the new design. To ensure there would be no structural issues, the new areas were carefully engineered on- site by Schwartz.
“We also acquired a garage, which we were lacking. The new garage is in a perfect location and allows for a tremendous amount of ‘bonus’ space above. The room above is in the roofline and, therefore, has great character,” says Gene.
The Maladys have one son, a gifted hockey player, and many components of the project were designed with him in mind, notes Augustine. “Michael’s existing bedroom was expanded to include a study area, as well as a dressing area. The room was decorated using the color palette of the Philadelphia Flyers,” he says.
A Cozy Cottage Feel
JFA Architecture, P.C., and J. Schwartz, LLC, received a 2009 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from the Bucks-Montgomery Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and a subsequent Regional CotY award for the Northeast region of the US for their joint entry in the category of Entire Home Renovation $500,000 to $1,000,000.
“The outcome is a beautiful looking and functioning home that constantly gets appreciative and admirable comments. I regularly have passersby stopping to tell me how much they love the house,” says Gene. “We are now able to have a home gym, two in-home office/study spaces, a media room, a beautiful master suite, a suite for our son and a guest bedroom—all with privacy and tremendous character.”
An equal amount of importance was placed on the rear of the house as on the front. The homeowners enjoyed the outdoor spaces the lot originally afforded, but wanted to make the rear more private and beautiful. The redesigned house overlooks a pond and wood deck and is as inviting as the indoors.
The completed project looks as if the house “grew out of” the surrounding landscape, reveals Gene. Although the house is about 5,000 square feet, it has a cottage feel and possesses the warmth and charm the homeowners desired.
“We really have many favorite parts, but I prefer the deck early on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee,” says Gene.
JFA Architecture, P.C., is located at 1017 Greenwood Avenue, Wyncote, and is a member of NARI, the Home Builders Association, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and the National Kitchen & Bath Association. For more information, visit www.jfa-architecture.com or call 215-517-8068.
J. Schwartz, LLC Fine Home Building is located at 7 East King Street, Malvern, and is a member of NARI, HBA and the US Green Building Council. For more information, visit www.jschwartzconstruction.com or call 610-644-6700.
Log onto www.bucksmontnari.org to find out more about NARI.
