Carriage-House Conversion
A renovation of a late-1800s carriage house brought to back to life a building that had sat abandoned for decades.
This late-1800s carriage house had sat abandoned for decades until a young couple approached the architect with a vision of renovating the structure into a residence for a growing family. Methodical documentation of the existing timber frame and careful understanding of the clients’ desired program led to a design that incorporated two additions: a new garage to the west and a family room with a bedroom suite above to the south.
The additions are separated from the original carriage house by “gaskets” in the form of ribbons of reclaimed wood and glass that allow the historical carriage house to read independently from the new addition. Opposing gables delineate new construction from the original structure.
Upon arrival, the main entrance pulls you into the home through what was once the opening for horse-drawn carriages. Polished concrete floors and minimal detailing allow the volume and spaces to read clearly, never competing with the historical character and openness. A bifold exterior door enables the new living room to open onto a patio in the warmer months, accommodating larger gatherings. An indoor wood-burning fireplace clad in the original tin roof brings texture and history into the living-room area. Careful window placement frames views of the neighborhood, including the Victorian mansion this carriage house once served.
Architect Balzer & Tuck Architecture, balzertuck.com
Builder Old Saratoga Restorations, oldsaratogarestorations.com
Location Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Photos Dania Bagyi Photography
From Fine Homebuilding #317
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