Serendipity may not be the first word that comes to mind when considering a remodeling project. But no other word comes close to capturing the experience of Pasadena, Calif.-based HartmanBaldwin Design/Build on its renovation of a historic bungalow in Claremont, Calif., which won a 2010 Gold/Best in Show Master Design Award from Qualified Remodeler in its Historic Restoration category.

The house’s pedigree was excellent, but its condition was horrendous. Built in 1903 for Mary Reeve Darling, the house was designed by the renowned California firm Greene & Greene, famous for its “ultimate bungalows,” which are large, detailed Craftsman-style homes, such as the Gamble House in Pasadena. More than a century after its construction, however, the Darling House had suffered from poor renovations in almost every area, as well as natural wear and tear. The roof, windows and shingles had all been replaced, and much of the house’s historic character and charm had been lost.

But HartmanBaldwin Design/Build had a couple things going for it. First, the homeowner, Andrew Wright, is a prominent developer in the area who already was familiar with the firm’s design/build capabilities. He and his wife Blenda did a walk-through with the firm and asked for an expert opinion about whether the house could be simultaneously modernized and restored. Here’s where serendipity came in: By pure coincidence, the firm had recently hired a project architect, Alan Brookman, who was a longtime docent at the Gamble House and a Greene & Greene aficionado.

After conducting a feasibility study, the firm was confident the house could be updated in a historically sensitive way—an effort that would require meticulous research and historical detective work. The team also made it a priority to incorporate sustainable design elements, leading the project to become the first historic GreenPoint-rated house under California’s Build it Green program.

“The goal was not to restore it to its past state, since it was truly unlivable for a modern-day family, but to protect as much of the architecture’s integrity without sacrificing comfort, function and energy efficiency,” says Bill Baldwin, HartmanBaldwin Design/Build owner and chief executive officer. “The goal was to restore and renovate it so a future generation would have the opportunity to experience the home.”

Cues from the Past