Bloomfield Hills, MI
Home Renovation
Private Residence
This residence was designed and built by one of Frank Lloyd Wright's master builders, Harold Turner.
The integration of a central air conditioning system in the house was requested by the current owner. Of utmost importance was that its integration be “invisible”. The task was made more challenging by the construction methods used in the house.
The entire ceiling and most walls are constructed of rare “pecky” cypress boards, the other interior walls are constructed of brick, and the floor is a concrete slab with integral radiant heating pipes. There are no traditional studwalls, floor joists or drywall to easily run and conceal new ductwork in. JWDesign used existing chases and openings in the concrete slab and brick walls to run the ductwork.
In removing previous renovation work, additional pecky cypress was required. JWDesign, with the owner, located a supply of the wood in Ohio and transported the sources entire supply to the site. The wood was milled to match the existing and was used in the renovated areas to replicate the original wall finish.
All of the pecky cypress was refinished inside and out. The slate floor was refinished and sealed.
Custom built-in desk units were designed in the study with birch veneer finished to match the existing birch in the residence. The master bath was completely remodeled with cork tile flooring, glass shower tile, new granite countertops, and all fixtures and accessories were selected by JWDesign to provide sophistication in keeping with the original feel of the house.
The kitchen was completely renovated, with new birch base cabinet fronts, stainless steel wall cabinet doors with custom glass panels, honed black granite countertops and backsplash, stainless steel counter with integral sink and raised granite breakfast counter with his and her stools. The spiral stair tower walls were sheathed with mica chips, and a custom railing was designed and installed to complement the original metal work.
