Richesin Residence, Little Rock, Arkansas
An extensive remodel and update of a mid-century residence originally designed in the late 1950's by revered Little Rock architect, Noland Blass.
Project Statement
Project Statement
Our goal was to open up the plan to take greater advantage of spectacular river views, update and reconfigure spaces to work for a family in 2018 and beyond, and honor the original detailing and concept of the house.
Additional Images
Plans show the extent of walls removed and reconfigured. Existing architectural features such as redwood furr downs at ceilings, redwood trim and details, stone walls and fireplace and extensive glazed exterior walls were retained and refurbished.
The low ceilinged kitchen, breakfast and utility areas were raised to 9' to provide a much lighter and open feel.
A new corridor was created to connect the main hall with a 90's addition to the south, eliminating the necessity to walk through a bedroom to enter the addition.
New light oak floors and new darker stained cabinets complement the existing redwood trim and furr downs of the original design. The new modern kitchen blends with the existing architecture while directly connecting with the open great room area.
Cabinets were kept off of the tiled window wall to accentuate the view outdoors and keep the kitchen work area as open to the great room as possible.
Removal of the original dining wall and breakfast area enabled us to open the view from the entry door directly into the great room space and beyond. Original breakfast room double hung windows were replaced with full lite glazing to match the entry foyer sidelites. The original redwood entry door had been painted and was in disrepair so a new stained door was added.
Removal of interior walls and added sidelites enable views through the great room when approaching the house.
Stone facades and walkways were preserved and new stone floors were added at the main bedroom wing corridor and laundry room to match the beautiful existing stone at the exterior and interior of the entry way.
Interior view of entry and corridor with existing and new stone and redwood detailing.
Closets were removed from the existing "den" and replaced with a millwork credenza to orient the view from the study to the window wall and river view.
The master bath and closet areas were reconfigured to capture daylight and maximize views. The shower window wall has integral blinds that allow for privacy when needed but showcase the open view most of the time.
Existing aluminum sliding doors were replaced with insulated plate glass and new wood sliding doors.
A large magnolia tree was removed from this area and a new stone patio built that connects with a koi pond and additional patios and walkways. The butt glazed bay is part of the original design of the house and is a favorite spot for the owners.
Uplighting at the original redwood furr downs was refurbished with LED's creating a soft, happy glow. The fireplace and tv are on axis with the kitchen and the breakfast bar projects into the new great room space, connecting kitchen with living.
