Hopkinson House Condo
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When a retired couple downsized from a three-story townhouse to a single-floor condo, they enlisted k YODER design to create a modern setting for an extensive art collection. By opening rooms and incorporating smart technology, kYd designed a thoughtful renovation that will enable the couple to age gracefully in place.
The Hopkinson House Condo is located in a 33-story high rise on Philadelphia’s Washington Square. Designed by Oskar Stonorov in 1963, the award-winning modernist building features large ribbon windows for abundant natural light. However, the original three-bedroom, compartmentalized plan did not suit contemporary living. kYd began by removing walls that enclosed the kitchen to visually enlarge the space and create a generous open-concept cooking, dining, and living room. A third bedroom was also opened to form a reading/tv corner adjacent to the living room. Floor-to-ceiling translucent sliding doors provide privacy while allowing natural light to flow.
Custom millwork and cabinetry afford display opportunities for the couple’s large indigenous and folk art collection, while providing extensive storage. Built-in technology offers both space savings and assistance for the aging couple. A concealed appliance bay in the dining area raises and lowers at the touch of a button, preventing the need for heavy lifting. A retractable television in the study provides extra shelf space when not in use. The main bathroom’s curbless shower features an accessible entrance wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
The renovation provides thoughtful built-in organization, open-concept flexibility, and a modern, arts-and-crafts aesthetic appropriate to the historic modern building.