638 Rutledge renovation progresses

First level fireplaces, retrofitted to combine two existing shallow coal burning fireboxes into a single, double sided firebox.

I took some time on a beautiful morning today to walk over for a site visit at 638 Rutledge Avenue.  The renovation of this 1919 construction by my friends at Yarrum is progressing nicely.

Master restoration mason Doug Scott proposed an unusual treatment for the fireplaces at the first level.  We had already determined to expose the brick structure here, as it was built with handsome brick and a beautifully modern step treatment at the corner.  As typical for fireplaces built in the 1910′s, the fireboxes were shallow for burning coal, without enough depth for burning wood or even gas logs.  Doug believed that he could modify the structure to combine the two back-to-back fireboxes and the void between into a larger single fireplace.  He properly lined the box with firebrick.  This double sided fireplace as a modification of historic masonry is an unusual and interesting design that we are all excited about.

Master bedroom fireplace with re-purposed pine timber slab mantle.

David Dick, a master restoration carpenter, has restored all of the original windows that were still in place when Yarrum acquired the property. The sashes were stripped and reconstructed where necessary, then reinstalled complete with the original sash weights and appropriate chains.  These windows were moved to the front of the house where they will have the most prominence.  The new windows were kept to the rear of the residence.

The 1960′s era Coastal Community Foundation Center as seen across Rutledge Avenue through the original window glass.

William Enston Home Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall at the William Enston Home, 900 King Street

Clyde and I took a walk this morning, passing through the beautiful William Enston Home complex at King and Huger Streets.  For city-owned buildings in Charleston, this complex of brick masonry structures is outstanding. The Memorial Hall is on the Preservation Society‘s Seven to Save list for 2013.

Memorial Hall at William Enston Home, (photographer and date unknown)

The Memorial Hall and the twenty four original two-story cottages were built in the Romanesque Revival style in 1887. The British-born Enston left his estate to the city of Charleston under the stipulation that a home dedicated to the care of the elderly and infirm.  But, alas, not those suffering from “lunacy.”

Intricate truss work in the interior at Memorial Hall, William Enston Home. (Photographer and date unknown)

Elevations of Memorial Hall, William Enston House. Source: Library of Congress

 

Dynomite ’70′s construction on Kiawah gets new life

Tilt-Turn windows installed in shed dormer addition and newly enclosed sun porch, beyond.

1977 was a year of triumphant highs and soul-sucking lows. Seattle Slew prevailed over the field on his way to the Triple Crown. Star Wars, a space-based soap opera set in the past (which somehow seemed like a good idea) was released.  The Clash released their first record, and punk titans Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello, Sex Pistols, and The Ramones had their greatest significance. We had Smokey and Bandit and Saturday Night Fever: obvious and unquestionable triumphs of the media on both counts.

ABBA, Streisand, the Eagles, and Wings represented the other side of the spectrum. France recorded its last execution by the guillotine (can you believe that this practice endured into the late 70′s?).  The world lost Elvis and gained my eventual bride on the very same day.  Which explains a lot, if you’ve ever met Michelle.

Former screened porch, with window sashes installed in creation of new Sun Room living space.

And though interest rates were still a couple of years from hitting their peak in the high teens, the world of construction was still dominated by nervous nellies and the occasionally talented. There was surely a huge amount of risk involved with speculative construction investment on little known Kiawah Island in 1977. This was the climate that begat the Ocean Woods Cottages on Kiawah Island, fortuitous in their location near the beach, while suffering from the circumstances of their creation. Ocean Woods were on the front lines of the development of Kiawah Island, perhaps a decade after the first modern homes were constructed but built as development was accelerating. Several dozen cottages of roughly 1,100 sf were built within a couple of years on the eastern end of Eugenia Avenue.  Rarely missed was the opportunity to save a couple of hundred dollars in the construction of a cottage.

Homosote sheathing (in center) was originally installed away from building corners; this was replaced in the current renovation. The rafter clips are newly installed in a voluntary effort to enhance to strength of the construction of this Kiawah Island cottage.

In the current total renovation and addition that we have undertaken, the original shortcomings in the construction of one Ocean Woods cottage that can be ameliorated are. This cottage was completely gutted, eliminating the original windows, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. Most of the 8′ ceilings were eliminated in favor of vaulted spaces. Original kitchen, baths, and finishes: out.

Close up detail of Homasote wall sheathing, showing evidence of previous water intrusion

While the house was stripped and structure exposed, the framing of the building was evaluated and reinforced to give it additional resistance to weather events. Rafter clips, coil strapping and other hold-downs were installed to better tie to structure to the foundation. We discovered that non-structural Homasote was used for wall sheathing in certain areas, presumably as a cost savings effort.  Essentially made from recycled newspaper, Homasote has negligible structural value and was replaced with APA rated structural plywood in this renovation, along with all of the remaining clapboard siding.

The windows and doors were replaced with robust German-made Gayko products supplied by Henselstone Window and Door Systems. Views out and natural light quality were improved with these advanced tilt-and-turn windows.  Both bathrooms on the side of the house where windows could not be added (per regime regulations) received a small skylight for a dose of natural light.

A sun room facing Eugenia and the beach beyond replaces the existing screened porch.

The new windows were installed this week, and now insulation as well and interior and exterior finishing can proceed.  Off we go in the transformation of this 1977 cottage that has persevered and is being given new life in 2013.

Newly designed entry porch

Seabrook Site Visit

View over Cap’n Sams Creek to the Kiawah River and beaches beyond.

Site visits featuring views like this one make work feel a little less onerous.  The south facing lots on Seabrook Island’s Marsh Gate Drive have some of the most spectacular views on the East Coast.  First, the high marsh close in, then Cap’n Sams’ Creek, more tidal marsh beyond, then the Kiawah River to the inlet as you look to the left.  Beyond that is Cap’n Sam’s Spit on the tip of Kiawah Island and the wonderful, wide beach of Seabrook off to the right.  Then the Atlantic Ocean.  The cherry on top is access by boat to it all via a private floating dock.

It really doesn’t get any better than this.

View toward the Seabrook beach to the south and east.

DeBordieu, 1974

My late mother, Caroline, in the summer of ’74, Debordieu Colony Club

Happy Mother’s Day!

Food Film Fest at GrowFood Carolina

I love my office.  We have interesting events happening in the warehouse in back all the time.  Tonight, a “world famous noodle puller” along with a film about Ramen culture, as part of Charleston Food Film Fest.  A few months ago, a baby shower for 80. Yes.

 

New Design

South Elevation of new residential design

We had our Conceptual Design review meeting with our clients earlier this week.  The property is outstanding: 270 degree views, plenty of high ground, water access to multiple channels, while located minutes from peninsular Charleston. They do not make them much better than this. We’re pleased that the meeting went so well.  On we go.

Site Plan