AIA Gold medal Winner suburban transformation
Transformational Alterations and second story addition. - Landscaping coming soon!
In a quiet suburb lined with modest mid-century homes, many neighbors were tearing down their houses or adding boxy second stories to modernize. But while others chose demolition or quick additions, this client wanted more. The Clawson Architects design team saw not a tired shell to discard, but a challenge to reimagine. They asked: What if we could elevate everyday living without tearing it all down?
The process always starts with examining the context. Sustainability was central to the design. The original foundation and much of the framing were preserved, minimizing demolition waste and embodied carbon. High-performance glazing and passive ventilation strategies enhance energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
Though dramatically transformed, the home respects its neighborhood in scale and form. Its low profile expresses restraint, complementing rather than dominating the block. Native landscaping, planned for the fall, will further integrate the home into its site and adjacent Brookdale Park, designed by the Olmsted firm.
Transformational American Institute of Architects Gold Medal winner for Design Excellence
Interior - Featuring a new stair to the second story and floor to ceiling widows. New coat closet at base of stair.
Before -Door on far right relocated to center. Bay window and flat ceiling replaced with soaring ceiling and floor to ceiling windows.
Before- Location of new stair above.
Before- Formerly small rooms replaced with open plan and soaring ceilings.
Marvin Modern Windows enhance the natural sunlight along with the skylight above the stair.
Inspired by Joseph Eichler’s vision of accessible, quality design, the architects focused on clarity, simplicity, and meaningful connections between interior and outdoors. The first bold move was relocating the front entrance to the center of the façade, creating a new sense of symmetry and presence. A vertical stair hall—framed with expressive post-and-beam elements and topped with skylights—became the home’s spine, linking basement, main level, and new second story with light and openness.
Inside, the formerly compartmentalized first floor was opened into a fluid, flowing plan. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding doors invite natural light and frame views of tree canopies, reinforcing the home’s strong connection to its setting. Large picture windows bring the landscape into everyday experience.
Before- The existing kitchen was in the center of the home. However, the the small island and lack of visual connection to the other rooms made it a bit isolating.
The open plan with floor to ceiling windows in the front and back of the home glows with a warmth of natural light even on a hazy day.
Light wood and large windows create an indoor outdoor feel.
Before- The existing family room was enhanced with new floor to ceiling windows. and a relocating of the doors to a side deck.
Views into the landscape abound. The native gardens are in the works not that construction is complete.
Large pantry storage and coffee/entertainment bar is centrally located.
This project demonstrates how a conventional suburban home can be elevated through precision and intention, becoming a model of creativity and resilience. Neighbors and park-goers often pause to admire the transformation—sometimes stopping to photograph it. The house has become a quiet local landmark, not for extravagance, but for its clarity of vision and thoughtful design.
The large casual living room with access to the outdoors provides different experiences. The TV is on the far wall. A sitting area in front of the fire and a gave table make this room a great place to gather with friends or just unwind.
This is architecture with purpose: enriching daily life, engaging the community, and proving that design excellence, sustainability, and innovation can be achieved at any scale—even on a single, modest lot..
This project was recognized for Design Excellence by the American Institute of Architects Newark and Suburban Chapter with a Gold Medal. This award is given by a jury of peer architects in recognition for exceptional design. The submissions are blind and the Jury is made up of accomplished architects from outside of the chapter community. The Jury noted that this project was exemplary for doing so much with less. That is was a real stand out with out sticking out!