Clairevue

Clairevue

Client

Confidential

Type

Residential

Year

2026

Size

3100 Square Feet

Floors

Location

Norfolk, Virginia

Services

Building Design, Interior Design

Status

In Progress

The Clairevue Residence is a historic family home originally constructed in 1848 and reimagined with a perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality while maintaining its historic charm. Nestled off the shore of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk Virginia, this project aimed to create a serene yet vibrant environment for a family of four. The design captures natural light in every corner, creating a “sun-drenched haven” that lives up to its name.

Project Overview

Client Background
The homeowners sought to thoughtfully restore and modernize the historic Clairevue Residence, an 1848 family home located along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. Their vision centered on preserving the home’s historic charm and architectural character while improving functionality, circulation, and livability for a modern family of four. The project emphasizes timeless materials, natural light, and a strong connection between the historic residence, its later addition, and the surrounding landscape.

Objective
To reimagine the historic Clairevue Residence as a refined, light-filled family home that balances historic preservation with contemporary living. The project aims to enhance spatial flow, restore architectural integrity, and introduce modern comforts while maintaining the warmth, scale, and craftsmanship of the original 1848 structure.

Scope

Develop a comprehensive renovation and exterior improvement plan for the existing residence and connected addition across the 3.9-acre property.
Redesign interior layouts to improve circulation and functionality, including relocating the kitchen to the rear of the home and creating a more open, connected living experience.
Restore and reinterpret historic architectural elements through material upgrades, new historically inspired windows and French doors, the reintroduction of a covered front porch, and the integration of brick and Hardie plank siding.
Enhance the outdoor living experience through landscape improvements, a poolside environment, and future hot tub integration while strengthening the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Design Approach and Execution

Concept and Vision

Design Philosophy: The Clairevue Residence is guided by a philosophy of historic reinvention—preserving the soul and craftsmanship of the original 1848 home while introducing thoughtful contemporary interventions that improve daily living. The design carefully balances openness, warmth, and historical authenticity, creating a “sun-drenched haven” that feels timeless rather than overly restored or modernized.
Key Features: Restored historic character with contemporary spatial planning, exposed interior brick walls, expansive historic-style windows and French doors, high 11-foot ceilings, improved circulation, and a reimagined kitchen and living environment centered around light, materiality, and family gathering.
Inspirations: Historic East Coast river homes, adaptive reuse principles, traditional brick craftsmanship, and contemporary transitional interiors that blend historic detailing with modern functionality and openness.

Execution
Phase 1: Site Analysis

Studied the existing historic structure, later addition, and surrounding property to understand circulation challenges, opportunities for improved natural light, and relationships between the architecture and landscape.
Evaluated existing materials, historic architectural references, and prior renovations to identify opportunities for restoring cohesive character across both the original home and the connected addition.
Analyzed solar orientation and views toward the Elizabeth River to maximize daylight and strengthen indoor-outdoor connections throughout the home.

Phase 2: Design and Planning

Developed a reconfigured floor plan focused on improving circulation, openness, and functionality while respecting the home’s historic proportions and structural rhythm.
Relocated the kitchen from the front of the home to the rear, creating a more connected relationship between cooking, gathering, and outdoor living spaces.
Designed large historically inspired windows and French doors to align architectural openings, increase natural light, and reinforce the home’s traditional character.
Proposed a new covered front porch inspired by the original historic facade to restore the home’s street presence and architectural identity.
Integrated a refined exterior material palette combining restored brick and Hardie plank siding to unify the original structure with the existing addition while preserving warmth and historical authenticity.
Preserved and celebrated exposed brick interior walls throughout key living spaces to highlight the craftsmanship and layered history of the home.