k YODER Design - Society Hill Townhouse I

New 0003 SHTHI 100525.418
The galley kitchen was opened to the rear dining room and front breakfast room to unify the ground floor
and maximize views of the garden.

The galley kitchen was opened to the rear dining room and front breakfast room to unify the ground floor
and maximize views of the garden.
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The wide galley kitchen features Bulthaup cabinetry with fully integrated appliances and dual sinks on opposite work surfaces.

The wide galley kitchen features Bulthaup cabinetry with fully integrated appliances and dual sinks on opposite work surfaces.
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Wall-mounted cabinetry and brushed aluminum wall panels unify the kitchen and dining area.

Wall-mounted cabinetry and brushed aluminum wall panels unify the kitchen and dining area.
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The reinterpreted breakfast room features an LED light cove to illuminate the corner and carry the line
of the street-front window sill. Its corner seating was inspired by 1960s banquettes.

The reinterpreted breakfast room features an LED light cove to illuminate the corner and carry the line
of the street-front window sill. Its corner seating was inspired by 1960s banquettes.
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The ground level powder room complements the adjacent kitchen and dining areas.

The ground level powder room complements the adjacent kitchen and dining areas.
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The front door's translucent glass panel brings natural light into the main entrance hall.

The front door's translucent glass panel brings natural light into the main entrance hall.
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Pei's signature circular staircase was retained during the renovation. An ocular skylight brings natural light to each floor.

Pei's signature circular staircase was retained during the renovation. An ocular skylight brings natural light to each floor.
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The second-floor family room features walnut cabinetry and recessed wall panels designed to conceal an entertainment system.

The second-floor family room features walnut cabinetry and recessed wall panels designed to conceal an entertainment system.
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The original living room fireplace was updated with a new burnished metal hearth plate set flush into ebony bamboo floors.

The original living room fireplace was updated with a new burnished metal hearth plate set flush into ebony bamboo floors.
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A wall-mounted walnut vanity with marble sink and white textured wall tile in the living area powder room complement the wood millwork and brick fireplace in the adjacent family and living rooms.

A wall-mounted walnut vanity with marble sink and white textured wall tile in the living area powder room complement the wood millwork and brick fireplace in the adjacent family and living rooms.
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Walls of the third-floor master bedroom suite are wrapped in walnut panels that lead into the adjacent dressing area.

Walls of the third-floor master bedroom suite are wrapped in walnut panels that lead into the adjacent dressing area.
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Custom walnut wainscoting wraps built-in dressers. A pocket door divides the master bedroom and bath.

Custom walnut wainscoting wraps built-in dressers. A pocket door divides the master bedroom and bath.
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A floating walnut vanity in the master bath lends continuity between the two rooms.

A floating walnut vanity in the master bath lends continuity between the two rooms.
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A curbless shower, wall-mounted shower bench, and wall-mounted vanity visually expand the bathroom's small footprint.

A curbless shower, wall-mounted shower bench, and wall-mounted vanity visually expand the bathroom's small footprint.
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The spa-like master bath features a skylit open shower with porcelain mosaic tile walls and digitally controlled water tile spray jets.

The spa-like master bath features a skylit open shower with porcelain mosaic tile walls and digitally controlled water tile spray jets.
New 0007 SHTHI 100525.411
The bright, skylit children's bathroom stays clean with fully tiled floors and walls. Playful wall niches hold bath toys and toiletries.

The bright, skylit children's bathroom stays clean with fully tiled floors and walls. Playful wall niches hold bath toys and toiletries.
New 0002 SHTHI Ziegler 25MirrorReflection
The renovation retained Pei's grand design gestures while updating the home for modern life.

The renovation retained Pei's grand design gestures while updating the home for modern life.

Society Hill Townhouse I

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of Philadelphia’s most dramatic post-World War II urban redevelopments, I.M. Pei’s Society Hill Complex encompasses 7.6 acres and includes three residential towers and 37 townhouses. The 1960s complex knit together the city’s most historic neighborhood – Independence Hall is mere blocks away – while imbuing the urban fabric with vibrancy and residential density near the Delaware Riverfront. Today, this midcentury modern complex remains a thriving residential community in the heart of Philadelphia’s Old City.

In 2010, k YODER design completed its first of several town house renovations within the complex. The Society Hill Town House Renovation was designed to respect the clarity of Pei’s original floor plan, preserve the iconic central circular stair, and incorporate 21^stcentury technology and amenities. The design took liberties with spatial organization within the context of Pei’s architecture and the home’s compact footprint.

The renovation demonstrates livable modernism for a young family. Period restoration was avoided; instead, the house was revitalized within its midcentury context. The design team took inspiration from Pei’s original design documents.

The renovation removed interior partitions to create improved connectivity between rooms and expansive views to the outdoors. The enclosed galley kitchen was opened to the rear dining room and front breakfast room to unify the ground floor. Wall-mounted cabinetry and aluminum wall panels visually connect the kitchen and dining areas, while durable terrazzo flooring adds continuity. The reinterpreted breakfast room light cove continues the horizontal datum created by the front window and brick garden walls. Reconfiguring the third floor into a master suite highlights an original ribbon window, while adding modern-day amenities such as a walk-through dressing closet and spa-like master bath. Organization for toys and electronics integrates thoughtfully within custom cabinetry and behind sliding wall panels. A burnished metal hearth accents an original fireplace in the living room. Color and light enhance the design. LED light coves visually create the illusion of larger spaces, such as in the home’s powder rooms. The aluminum wall between the kitchen and dining area captures and reflects the red brick exterior while visually connecting past and present.

The renovation retained Pei’s grand design gestures while updating the Society Hill Town House for modern life and a new family. The 3,200-square-foot residential project was completed in 2010.

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