By Sarah Kuper
Christopher Architecture and Interiors recently was awarded a 2017 merit award by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects for the complete renovation of a Mountain Brook home.
The AIA is a prestigious organization for commercial, residential and institutional architects with more than 90,000 members and 260 chapters across the country.
According to designers and the AIA awards web page, the owners of the Mountain Brook house were in love with the area but couldn’t find the right home. When a foreclosure property came on the market, the family considered the prospect of razing the house and starting fresh. Unfortunately, this would not be possible.
While the before and after photos of the home are dramatic, architects
and designers were forced by zoning restrictions to maintain the existing footprint of the house.
This meant using the original foundation and placement of exterior walls. From there, designers were tasked with giving the house more depth and light and a complete change of style.
By turning some of the exterior walls into sky-high windows and using natural materials, designers created what they call a timeless aesthetic.
Materials such as copper accents, stone veneer and cedar roofing will stand the test of time and even improve with age.
After adding a second floor, the house is 5,200 square feet.
Several other Over the Mountain homes and architects won awards in this year’s design competition.
Nequette Architecture & Designs, in conjunction with Jeffrey Dungan Architects, also won a merit award for the Abbey Road residential complex.
A Homewood home and a Mountain Brook home designed by Marshall Anderson earned awards.
And The Manning condominiums on Cahaba Road, designed by Barrett Architecture Studio, won recognition, as well. ❖