Historic Philadelphia row home gets a sweet suite and sunroom

Foster Design Farm in conjunction with Swiatocha Architecture + Design recently collaborated on the design for a completed addition/renovation project in Center City Philadelphia that solves some unique design challenges for the owners of a historic row home. The home was built in the late 19th century and though the building had been through many transformations, including into a multifamily home, the residence exudes the original historic character. Through small but well-crafted interventions, the design transformed the second floor primary suite and lounge spaces, and the added sunroom further restored this gem in the neighborhood.

The design for the primary suite provided much needed privacy and accessibility to the bathroom, which was previously split into two levels and had pass-through entrances on each end. The design also carved out space for a new standalone powder room with shared access from the stair hall. With the main portion of the primary bathroom footprint located on the upper level, the architects extended it over the lower level by raising the floor of the shower stall with a single step down onto the terra cotta tile in the wet area. The shower has the added benefit of being located adjacent to an exterior window which floods the space with natural light. Working around a centralized window on the historic facade, the design places the sink directly in front of the window as a feature to anchor the custom cherry vanity with leathered stone countertop. Framing the window with mirrored & tall linen cabinets provided the additional storage needed. The freestanding tub rests gracefully on the other side of the room, surrounded by cork flooring and ceramic tile wainscotting with a unique brickwork pattern. The closets were consolidated into a dedicated dressing room that acts as a threshold between the bedroom and the bathroom.

On the other side of the second floor, the lounge was cluttered and dark despite having a south facing wall and an existing bay window. The new sunroom addition connects the lounge to the trees through a new opening on the south wall and a ribbon of wood casement windows on the perimeter of the addition. Plaster and terra cotta materials with tongue-and-groove ceilings lend a porch-like quality allowing the owner to enjoy the outdoors year round. The dramatic exterior harmonizes with the existing bay windows, providing a place-sensitive addition on this highly visible corner property.