HOUSE 511

The clients envisioned a new front porch and back deck as a way to unify old and new - one traditional, the other contemporary - while maintaining their stunning Victorian home built circa 1900, in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. 

The front porch employs a traditional application of stone masonry at the base of the columns and low stair walls, all capped with square-profile reinforced concrete. Pressure treated wood planks are used for the porch decking and screen surround, while decorative columns painted white help to complete the design. The interior ceiling is finished in aluminum resembling wooden beadboard, and just above, finished black shingles on the roof match the existing residence. A built-in box gutter system at the roof was designed to avoid downspouts and applied gutters at the eaves. At the new limestone stair, handrails are finished in black iron. 

The back deck employs a contemporary aesthetic in its design, with pressure treated wood as the primary material application for the deck, railings, and staircase. The main feature is a prefabricated aluminum covered pergola structure with outdoor fan, and an adjoining open beam and column area for extended entertaining. 'Floating squares' held in place by savvy engineering and stainless cables adorn the upper portion of the pergola that capture moments of the surrounding trees and buildings in this historic area. The deck and stair railings are a minimalist wood design that utilizes stainless cables, adding to this contemporary expression and maximizes views.