k YODER Design - Margaret Esherick House

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Conservation involved restoration of the original wall finish and preservation of the Esherick woodwork.

Conservation involved restoration of the original wall finish and preservation of the Esherick woodwork.
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Forensic identification and restoration of paint colors included those inside the cabinets and open shelving.

Forensic identification and restoration of paint colors included those inside the cabinets and open shelving.
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A non-original dishwasher was replaced with a wood-clad wine cooler, contributing to the room’s new entertaining function.

A non-original dishwasher was replaced with a wood-clad wine cooler, contributing to the room’s new entertaining function.
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A new galley kitchen provides functionality without impacting the spatial rigor of Kahn’s architecture or the elegance of Wharton Esherick’s intact craftsmanship; it also helps reduce wear on the Esherick kitchen.

A new galley kitchen provides functionality without impacting the spatial rigor of Kahn’s architecture or the elegance of Wharton Esherick’s intact craftsmanship; it also helps reduce wear on the Esherick kitchen.
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Matte aluminum backsplash softly reflects the room’s natural daylight.
The partial concrete floor was retained to reveal the room’s prior utility purpose.

Matte aluminum backsplash softly reflects the room’s natural daylight.
The partial concrete floor was retained to reveal the room’s prior utility purpose.
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Recessed cabinet edge pulls avoid unnecessary ornamentation.

Recessed cabinet edge pulls avoid unnecessary ornamentation.
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The new galley doesn't seek to copy but to complement the original Esherick woodwork.

The new galley doesn't seek to copy but to complement the original Esherick woodwork.
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A vintage chandelier and new downlights brighten the dining room; the Esherick kitchen is visible through the doorway at left.

A vintage chandelier and new downlights brighten the dining room; the Esherick kitchen is visible through the doorway at left.
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It was important to maintain Kahn’s iconic composition of fireplace, slot window with visible chimney, and white walls.

It was important to maintain Kahn’s iconic composition of fireplace, slot window with visible chimney, and white walls.
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A new ceiling-mounted LED projection system enables artwork and video display on the west wall,
including stewardship presentations by the homeowners.

A new ceiling-mounted LED projection system enables artwork and video display on the west wall,
including stewardship presentations by the homeowners.
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The remote-controlled projection system is nearly invisible when not in use.

The remote-controlled projection system is nearly invisible when not in use.
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Removable friction-mounted, fabric-wrapped insulation panels are printed with photorealistic images of the shutters.

Removable friction-mounted, fabric-wrapped insulation panels are printed with photorealistic images of the shutters.
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The laundry was relocated to the second floor. Finishes match those in the new galley kitchen.

The laundry was relocated to the second floor. Finishes match those in the new galley kitchen.
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Shelves fold flat when not in use.

Shelves fold flat when not in use.
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A cleaner, more organized east elevation was achieved by moving utility lines and meters and restoring the stucco.

A cleaner, more organized east elevation was achieved by moving utility lines and meters and restoring the stucco.
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New landscaping enlivens the front of the house.

New landscaping enlivens the front of the house.

Margaret Esherick House

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An award-winning conservation effort respects the transcendence of Louis Kahn’s 1961 jewel box residence while using 21st century technology and amenities to create a highly livable home in Chestnut Hill. Conservation work preserves and enhances the home’s one-of-a-kind kitchen built by renowned sculptor Wharton Esherick. New interventions include creation of an efficient galley kitchen in the former utility room, a concealed projection system in the living room, and a creative insulation solution for the wood window shutters.

The overarching concept of livability frames the story of the Esherick House conservation. To ensure continued stewardship of the Margaret Esherick House and its use as a private home, the new owners and their collaborative design and construction team preserved its architectural integrity and retained its form and function. Subtle modifications maintain the rigor of servant and served spaces, complement - rather than replicate - aesthetic details, and refine elements not intrinsic to Kahn’s vision.

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