Heckendorn Shiles Architects worked with a longtime collaborative client on the couple’s “forever” home in a historic Philadelphia waterfront building. The couple purchased three existing condos, circa 1980s, which were subsequently gutted and renovated into one 6,000 square foot home. HSA approached the project in 2 distinct drawing sets to address the owners’ scheduled goals while also coordinating approvals with the homeowners’ association.

To combine the units into one appropriately proportioned space and to take best advantage of the waterfront views, various existing floor levels were removed or expanded. HSA removed specific floor levels to provide double height space at the kitchen and dining area which abuts the historic glass wall facing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

New open riser stairs were designed to celebrate the floor-to-floor relationship to the home and to open up views within the interior spaces as well as the outside.

The installation of an operable 30 foot long partition completely opens the kitchen area to the waterfront deck. The design team worked with the Philadelphia Historic Commission on the exterior glazing window wall modifications to preserve the building’s original facade.

The kitchen and dining area receives natural light from the spectacular waterfront views.

A curve-a-linear wood ceiling was designed in the kitchen with the homeowner as an industrial element that echoes the movement of water on the river just outside.

HSA completely cleared out the second level to create a master suite at the main entrance floor.

HSA’s design team worked with the owners to add personal and industrial design elements in the home. We collaborated to purposefully locate the clients’ existing artwork and furniture that had intrinsic value to them.

Custom lighting design and natural light accentuates the artwork and the unique design elements throughout the home.