Barnett Architecture LLC

Private Residence

Mequon, WI

 

The empty-nesters purchased their "new"1873 stone house for the house proper as well as a barn, silo, chicken coop and grounds to garden.

 

The house, however, didn’t have the amenities or spaces to fit their lifestyle and taste. They sought a design which was not-so-big with an open feel. It also needed to appropriate reflect the history of the house. 

 

A primary design focus was to open the first floor to allow views through the deep window openings set within the twenty-inch stone walls. To do so, the stair was taken from original footprint and relocated into a compact addition. The addition also provides for a new entry, sitting room, guest sleeping alcove and an exercise room.

 

The design preserved and exposed historic features including the stone walls, hand-hewn wood timbers and peg-jointed rafters. All interior construction was removed to the stone layer so that new insulation and electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems could be installed.

 

The project required approval from the local historic commission.