RUSSELL

Originally designed by Walter H. Ratcliff in 1939 in the grand Tudor style, the home sits on a gated lot surrounded by mature trees. The design intent was to honor the historic character of the structure and ensure the renovation fit harmoniously within the historic community. Inside, a calm and serene sanctuary emerges in contrast to the stately exterior, creating a surprising and elegant juxtaposition. Sustainability played a continuous role in the design approach—preserving the existing structure significantly reduced the project’s carbon footprint. The original shell was enhanced with high-performance insulation, thermally broken fenestrations, hydronic radiant heating, passive cooling, and an energy-efficient lighting system.

The ground floor was reimagined into an expansive open plan flooded with natural light, enabled by new structural moment frames that support the historic envelope while opening the space. Upon entering, the warmth of a modern interior staircase beneath a skylight fills the cathedral-like entryway with light. The living room ceiling was reworked with wood-paneled beams integrated with linear LED uplighting. Designed as an entertainer’s retreat, the great room is anchored by a grand piano at one end and a kitchen that connects to the gardens beyond through sliding glass doors—blurring the lines between indoors and out.

Upstairs, the private quarters were opened to the tall attic, creating expansive, light-filled bedrooms with soaring ceilings. Select attic spaces were opened to the rooms below, enhancing the verticality and spaciousness of the home. The result is a thoughtful blend of historic preservation, modern comfort, and sustainable design.