Hoppin Hill
A planned remodel became a new home on the lot the owners wanted to keep.
A remodel gave way to a new build.
The owners bought the property for its location and lot. Their first plan was to remodel the existing house.
Interior demolition exposed structural problems and exterior framing that could not be insulated to current standards. The owners, J.M. Bryson, and the design team shifted to a new custom home, retaining part of the original foundation.
Why the remodel became a rebuild.
The Spanish-villa style of the existing house was not the French-provincial look the owners wanted. Interior demolition revealed support walls removed without proper posts, roof rafters installed over a shingled roof, and exterior framing that could not be insulated to current standards.
Rebuilding made more sense than continuing the renovation. The team retained some of the foundation and designed a new home above it.
The mature trees shaped the site plan.
The owners wanted to protect the mature trees. A Japanese red maple was moved to the front garden, the septic system was designed around another maple, and loam from the site was stockpiled, screened, and reused for the new lawn.
The high water table and runoff from the hill required work below grade, too. Drainage beneath the basement floor and two stone trenches carry water and downspout runoff to daylight in the front yard.
The walnut stair was not in the first design.
Horner Millwork and GMT Home Designs developed the curved walnut staircase for the main living space. It leads to an unfinished second floor that could become bedrooms in the future.
Horner supplied the home's custom millwork and trim, which J.M. Bryson craftsmen installed. In the great room, the team tested tray-ceiling details and adjustable lighting behind the crown trim before installation.
The owners saw the staircase under construction at Horner’s shop.
A low light runs just below the top of the hallway base trim.
The team built samples for owner approval before the final trim was installed.
How the home works.
Three geothermal wells, each 350 feet deep according to the project team, feed four heat pumps for forced-air heating and cooling. Separate gas boilers serve radiant floors and heated exterior walks, as well as the barn and garage floors. A whole-house generator backs up the home and barn.
Evelyn Audet Lighting Design and Audio Concepts worked on the lighting and smart-home technology. The finished system includes motorized shades, whole-home audio, networking, and controls the owners can operate from a phone.
The finished rooms.
Cypress Design Co. worked with the owners and GMT Home Designs on the kitchen, baths, and interior finishes.
Selected materials and systems.
Exterior
Marvin windows and doors, CertainTeed Grand Manor roof shingles, copper gutters, and custom copper chimney caps.
Kitchen
Cabico Unique cabinetry, Vadara Sereno Gold quartz, a La Cornue range, and Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Cove appliances.
Primary bath
Carrara marble, a Kohler Sunstruck bathtub, Newport Brass fixtures, and a heated shower bench, walls, and floor.
Home control
Lutron HomeWorks lighting, Palladiom motorized shades, Paradigm speakers, and Sonos audio throughout the home.
Who worked on Hoppin Hill.
J.M. Bryson led the build with design, lighting, technology, cabinetry, and millwork partners.
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