renovation

Nestled on a quiet street in one of Charlottesville’s historically significant districts, this project presented unique challenges and exciting opportunities. Built circa 1900, the original structure was used as a barn and carriage house for the adjacent residence. Architectural interventions are carefully governed by the local board of architectural review, and regulations limit significant changes to the exterior of any existing structure designated as contributing to the historic district. Careful structural interventions and creative design focused on spatial efficiency allowed Gehrung+Graham to preserve and enhance the existing building, transforming this derelict storage space into a bright apartment and home office space.

A two-part renovation project that transformed a leaky and dark 1980s ranch house into a living space that is light, airy, and energy efficient. Material finishes and details balance minimalism, economy, and sustainability to establish a healthy, warm, and serene interior. Designed to meet Passive House certification criteria, the envelope and slab are optimized to minimize air infiltration, enhance thermal performance, and eliminate thermal bridging while allowing water vapor diffusion. 

Designed with health and energy efficiency in mind, the Treehouse Project also reflects the client's commitment to the natural world. A sun room graces the upper floor while the lower floor houses a plant conservatory, and a large deck was added to provide an outdoor living space that gives the feeling of being nestled up high among the trees