Delaware House

Originally constructed in the 1890’s in Lawrence, Kansas, Delaware House was recently transformed by FWD Design | Architecture into a modern home that suits the needs of its current owners while maintaining its historic charm.

The clients, a couple with two dogs, sought a remodel of the existing two-bedroom, 900-square-foot home and a 500 square-foot functional addition for a modest budget. The clients sought a contrast between the original turn-of-the-19th-century house and the new addition. Specifically, they wanted to create an open living area for living and entertaining, a master suite, laundry, mudroom, stair to the basement and two additional bedrooms.

The house is in an historic district, so any design changes have to follow the historic standards set by the Secretary of the Interior and approval by the Historic District Review Committee was required.

For the interior of the home, FWD created a contemporary space through the use of continuously linked, discrete rooms. The kitchen is situated under a flat ceiling, while the living and dining spaces boast a hipped vaulted ceiling. Thick bearing walls work to further define these rooms within the overall space. FWD also provided landscape architecture services.