MODERN ROWHOME | Baltimore, Md
- Jason
- Sep 2, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Breathing New Life into a Federal Hill Classic
The Challenge:
Our clients discovered a gem in Federal Hill—a historic 19th-century rowhouse that had been left vacant for 15 years. They loved its character, but the interior was dark, compartmentalized, and completely at odds with their vision for a light-filled, modern family home. The challenge was immense: to completely transform the derelict property into a high-performing, open-plan living space while navigating the strict guidelines of Baltimore's historic commission to secure essential tax credits.
The FADE Approach:
Our integrated FADE process was the key to unlocking this home's potential. As Architects, we designed a total interior renovation and a modern, two-story rear addition, crowned with a butterfly roof that contextually blends with the neighboring rooflines and is engineered for a future green roof. The centerpiece of this architectural vision was the Fabrication of a custom, centrally-located staircase. Designed to be a sculptural light well, the stair is crafted from ⅜” steel plates. We used fiber optic laser cutting to create a custom pattern of flowing perforations, making the industrial material feel light and allowing sunlight from the new addition to percolate through every floor of the home. Our Development mindset guided the project through the complexities of the historic tax credit application, ensuring our design choices maximized the client's investment while delivering long-term value through a deep energy retrofit.
The Outcome:
The result is a home that breathes. Where there was once darkness, light now cascades from the rear glass walls through the perforated steel "ribbon" of the staircase, illuminating the entire space. The family enjoys a home that is both a piece of Baltimore history and a high-performing, comfortable sanctuary for their future.. It stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful design and fabrication can resurrect a historic structure, creating a modern home that is truly alive.
Interested in renovating a historic property? Contact us for a consultation.
