Old to Modern Total Revamp

What was the challenge?

This home hadn’t been touched since it was originally built, so was very tired & worn, uninsulated, dark, dingy, full of asbestos and in need of a refresh via a complete gut retrofit. Our clients were starting a family and wanted a modern, up to code, non-toxic, open-concept, bright space with clean lines in which they and their growing family could thrive. They have a keen design sense and worked with our in-house design team to create their dream space within their set budget.

What was delivered?

We completed this two-floor, foam-free, full gut retrofit using building science principles to create vapour permeable wall assemblies, bringing the solid brick building to current code and beyond. From an air quality perspective, we used FSC certified NAUF solid wood flooring. Additionally, we incorporated high-performance wood windows, and high recycled content drywall. 

The new kitchen uses FSC certified formaldehyde-free cabinetry, and has quartz countertops. Water sense certified toilets were installed, along with California standard lead-free brass fittings on all plumbing connections. Zero VOC paints and adhesives were used throughout, and a high-efficiency furnace, and central AC were installed. 

The project was completed with an aim to increase not only insulation levels but also airtightness levels in the home. Windows were installed using Passive House principals, which includes the use of expanding foam tape and U shims to avoid thermal bridging.

The overall appeal of the home was dramatically improved by opening the small, dark, closed rooms on the main floor, relocating the kitchen from the dark rear corner of the house to the opposite side near a large window and into a bright open space for added light. The rear wall of the home was enlarged to include a bright fixed window and access to a rear deck. 

A bathroom was added on the main floor, we reinstalled the beautiful original stained glass windows within the upgraded building envelope, and an en-suite bathroom was added upstairs. The result was a transformation of an old home into a highly functional, bright, energy efficient and modern space.