k YODER Design - Kling Midcentury Renovation

New 0007 Kling 403
The design retains the integrity of the original architecture, preserving the Kling four-square plan and cruciform circulation
while maintaining the rigor of the interior structure and spatial divisions.

The design retains the integrity of the original architecture, preserving the Kling four-square plan and cruciform circulation
while maintaining the rigor of the interior structure and spatial divisions.
New Kling 401RT2
The exterior wood and stone were restored.

The exterior wood and stone were restored.
Kling 418RT2
Original wall sconces were conserved, cleaned, and retained.

Original wall sconces were conserved, cleaned, and retained.
Kling 405RT
The wood structure was restored to a uniform dark finish, reinstating Kling’s intended connection between indoors and outdoors.

The wood structure was restored to a uniform dark finish, reinstating Kling’s intended connection between indoors and outdoors.
Kling 408
A new fireplace surround fabricated of black iron complements a new slate hearth and river stone fire box.

A new fireplace surround fabricated of black iron complements a new slate hearth and river stone fire box.
Kling 416
A new kitchen layout within the footprint of the original space reinforces open-plan living and connectivity between rooms.

A new kitchen layout within the footprint of the original space reinforces open-plan living and connectivity between rooms.
Kling 413 edited
The redesign preserves the horizontal eyebrow, maintains exposure of the stone wall,
and accentuates the line of the ribbon windows.

The redesign preserves the horizontal eyebrow, maintains exposure of the stone wall,
and accentuates the line of the ribbon windows.
Kling 410
The new master bath's full-height translucent pocket door divides master bed and bath without diminishing natural light.

The new master bath's full-height translucent pocket door divides master bed and bath without diminishing natural light.
Kling 411RT
When fully open, the pocket door is concealed behind the original wood-paneled master closet.

When fully open, the pocket door is concealed behind the original wood-paneled master closet.
Kling 412RT
The master bathroom incorporates an original clerestory and soaring ceiling with original stone wall above.
Wall tile and vanity wood reference the room’s original finishes.

The master bathroom incorporates an original clerestory and soaring ceiling with original stone wall above.
Wall tile and vanity wood reference the room’s original finishes.
New 0002 Kling 411RT crop2 edited
A floating vanity visually expands the narrow room. Ribbon lights in the medicine cabinets reference the home's ribbon windows.

A floating vanity visually expands the narrow room. Ribbon lights in the medicine cabinets reference the home's ribbon windows.
New 0001 Kling 417RT
Preserving the structural lines and rigor of the original architecture meant exceptional attention to detail.

Preserving the structural lines and rigor of the original architecture meant exceptional attention to detail.
Kling 419RT3
Careful editing for a clean aesthetic involved repositioning air grilles to be less conspicuous and floor refinishing.

Careful editing for a clean aesthetic involved repositioning air grilles to be less conspicuous and floor refinishing.
New 0005 Kling 420RT7
The renovation paid particular attention to retaining Kling’s wood structural detailing and use of materials,
including preserving the classic modern reveal detail that lets each material read individually.

The renovation paid particular attention to retaining Kling’s wood structural detailing and use of materials,
including preserving the classic modern reveal detail that lets each material read individually.
Kling 402
The white gravel chip roof and metal roof edge detail were replicated from Kling’s drawings;
anodized aluminum sliding doors and windows were replaced.

The white gravel chip roof and metal roof edge detail were replicated from Kling’s drawings;
anodized aluminum sliding doors and windows were replaced.
New 0000 Kling 421
Refinishing the wood structure to a uniform finish reinstated indoor-outdoor continuity.

Refinishing the wood structure to a uniform finish reinstated indoor-outdoor continuity.
Kling2 406
Attention was paid to restoring the exterior according to the same principles of refinement and architectural integrity.

Attention was paid to restoring the exterior according to the same principles of refinement and architectural integrity.
New 0003 Kling2 404
Selective repointing and repair restored the interior and exterior stone walls and landscape wall.

Selective repointing and repair restored the interior and exterior stone walls and landscape wall.
Kling2 402
Materials conservationists were part of the team to replicate the original grout formula and repair the stone walls.

Materials conservationists were part of the team to replicate the original grout formula and repair the stone walls.

Kling Midcentury Renovation

Gladwyne, Pennsylvania

The complete interior and exterior renovation and restoration of a midcentury modern residence designed by Vincent G. Kling in 1959 paid careful attention to craftsmanship and detailing for a project characterized by stewardship, balance, and refinement.

Located on a pie-shaped lot in the Philadelphia suburb of Gladwyne, Pa., the Smith Residence was a “lost” example of architect Vincent Kling’s residential work. Because the house wasn’t widely recognized as Kling’s, when it was put on the market in 2013, the preservation community did not take notice. Instead, the house was marketed as a potential teardown. Fortunately, the current homeowner, as a prospective buyer, was intrigued by its design. He brought along Kevin Yoder to view the property and together they agreed it could – and should – be saved.

Goals of the sensitive renovation included preserving the home’s architectural integrity, promoting livability, and ensuring functionality for the future. The project complements the original architecture with thoughtful interventions and exceptional attention to detailing that respect and maintain the purity of the original plan.

Interior renovations involved a new kitchen, powder room, master bath, and two children’s baths on the main level, and a family room, laundry, and utility room in the basement. Significant water damage in the roof structure was mitigated, requiring replacement of all ceilings and the central clerestory and allowing for installation of new roof insulation. The fireplace surround, damaged from years of smoke, was redesigned with an appropriate replacement. Exterior work included restoring the white marble chip ballasted roof and original metal drip edge, both replicated from Kling’s drawings.

The award-winning design retains the integrity of the original architecture, preserving the Kling four-square plan and cruciform circulation while maintaining the rigor of its interior structure and spatial divisions. Finishes were updated, details edited, and the aesthetic polished for a hybrid of midcentury and 21st century modern style and amenities.

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