Project: 1970s home renovation / modern function kitchen & bathroom
Renovation design by Evolution Design + Build / Dean Turner
Photography by Laura Metzler
Original home architecture by Ken Bonner
The Reston, Virginia-based firm, Evolution Design + Build, was hired to modernize this 1970s home with a design that complemented its mid-century roots. What makes this renovation project unique is that this is one of 65 homes designed by local Reston, Virginia architect Ken Bonner who is credited with building the town’s first-ever detached, single-family house. Bonner recalls having to transport a portable generator to the building site in 1964 because there were no power lines yet in the area. His homes have been featured in national magazines, and today are still considered a technological marvel for its use of space, natural lighting and energy-conserving design.
The overall scope of this renovation included a custom gourmet kitchen and refresh of the master bath. The overall footprint of the 2800-square-foot home remains unchanged, but the kitchen and bathroom were reoriented to help maximize storage. The big design challenge in the kitchen was finding a new home for the fridge, which originally made the kitchen feel cramped and allowed for little counter space. Another challenge was creating the custom cabinet style that would complement the mid-century clerestory windows that were a hallmark design trait of Ken Bonner properties. Other design elements of note include an orange Smeg range hood, unique Cement Tile backsplash and custom walnut cabinets with continuous grain created by Evolution Design + Build, which were designed to compliment the home’s original wood beams. The bathroom also incorporates custom walnut cabinetry by Evolution Design + Build and river rock shower tile.
At a time when there is so much new construction, these homeowners decided to reinvest in their 50+ year old home because the bedrooms are located on the main level to allow for aging in place. Additionally, they love the Reston neighborhood, which is a planned community (complete with 20 pools, tennis courts, 5000 miles of hiking trains, five lakes) and founded to create cluster communities that promote conservation. It was the first community in the United States to do so.
