Page 55 - ArchDC_Spring 2021
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Newly expanded kitchen.





















                                       The kitchen before renovation.
                                       Courtesy of Christian Zapatka Architect  Master bathroom.

        freestanding object, further augmenting its sense of grandeur.   the attic floor could be converted into substantial usable space.
        At the rear of the main hall, an existing glass-paneled door with   In order to achieve this, Zapatka extended the semicircular
        a transom and sidelights was replaced by a more gracious pair   staircase to the top level and divided the attic space into two
        of French doors that open onto a new terrace, thus enhancing   additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and
        the connection to the rear yard. The paneled double doors   walk-in closet.
        opening into the living room and dining room were retained      Crown moldings on the main level were repaired and,
        and restored. Gleaming brass hardware on both the interior and   where necessary, infilled by skilled plasterers. Abstracted
        exterior doors now complements the brass handrail on the stair.   versions of the first-floor trim were added on the upper levels.
            The second-floor plan was thoroughly reworked. An office   Throughout the house, narrow-plank flooring was replaced with
        and one bedroom were combined to create a large master   wide-plank wood in a lighter tone. Formerly dingy walls and
        suite, while the two other bedrooms gained private en-suite   trim were repainted in a bright white that makes all spaces feel
        bathrooms. The third floor contained the house’s biggest   lighter and airier.
        surprise: a large open attic space, accessible only by pull-down      Exterior changes were minimal. Previous owners had
        steps, soaring to 11 feet at the ridge of the ceiling. When touring   entered into a conservation easement agreement with the
        the house for the first time, Virginia Ourisman recognized that   L’Enfant Trust, which entails substantial restrictions on

                                                                                     LET IT GLOW                  53
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