Contemporary Recreation in Malvern
A traditional stone facade, inky shutters, and a composite slate roof punctuated with the occasional dormer characterize this archetypal home in the Briarwood neighborhood of Malvern, PA. While the exterior harkens back to the local history of the region, a thick mahogany front door opens to reveal a home that embraces contemporary living and all its perquisites.
The homeowners envisioned a fun space for entertaining that embodies both the traditional exterior of the home as well as modern elements in line with their more contemporary tastes. The architectural highlight of this space is the staircase, which provides a gradual transition from the first floor into the lower level. Avid wine collectors, the homeowners dedicated much of the lower level to their passion. The current configuration of the large, LED-lit wine storage holds 1,300 bottles, with the option to nearly double that capacity designed into it. In the lounge area, the ribbon fireplace set into a granite slab front acts as an artistic focal point. The home bar features a floating glass top on mahogany, oak accents, and granite.
Phase two of the renovation focused on adding curb appeal and a more historically accurate exterior facade. Existing stone was replaced with a traditional version better suited to the home’s design; dormers were restored to their proper proportions and placements; and windows were upgraded for aesthetics and energy efficiency. Additional authentic details, such as new trimwork, cornices, shutters, copper gutters and downspouts, and a redesigned front door surround use modern, high-quality materials to give an architectural nod to the past.
