Birch

this project rehabilitates a significantly blighted lot in uptown new orleans through revitalization and addition to the property’s existing shotgun house. The dwelling’s charming street presence is maintained through faithful restoration of the existing facades, and the subtlety of the contemporary addition at the rear.

the clients, two professors employed by tulane’s art department purchased the property in hopes of developing not only a comfortable home to enjoy with their family, but a sanctuary to focus on their artistic endeavors, for their remaining careers and into retirement at the rear of the property the “L” shaped contemporary addition, almost imperceptible from the street, encloses a lush oasis hidden from the surrounding urban fabric. This addition contains a two story artist’s loft attached by the rear porch, a contemporary interpretation of the typical camelback, a form traditional to shotgun typologies. This addition creates a generous space for the family’s pool at the rear of the site. The interplay of these objects on site represents the family’s life style balancing life, work and play.