Updating a
Modern Classic AN ARCHITECT AND CLIENT COLLABORATE TO REFRESH A MIDCENTURY MASTERPIECE ARTICLE DYLAN MARKOV | PHOTOGRAPHY VINCE LUPO/DIRECTION ONE INC.
WHEN TOWSON-BASED ARCHITECT PETER TWOHY OF 2E
“The [new] open floor plan effortlessly accommodates large par-
ARCHITECTS WAS APPROACHED BY CLIENTS ANDREA AND
ties, yet still manages to feel cozy when it’s just the five of us (Ozzy
KEN BURKOM TO DO A COMPLETE UPDATE OF A RAMBLING
the bulldog included),” Andrea says.
1960’S HOUSE THEY HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT, HE JUMPED
Replacing all the windows enables more natural light to enter
ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT THE OPPORTUNITY. The Burkoms
the home. A dramatic 48-foot-long wall of floor-to-ceiling win-
were downsizing from a larger house in Reisterstown where they
dows now makes the tree-lined yard outside seem almost like an
had lived for 11 years and wanted a home located closer to the city
extension of the interior living space.
that would be better suited to the needs of their young family.
“THIS
IS
TRULY
A
MIDCENTURY
MODERN HOME,” PETER SAYS. “OUR GOAL WAS TO STAY TRUE TO THE
The Burkoms also replaced the existing carport with a new twocar garage and built an addition that houses a gym, laundry room, art studio and two bedrooms for their teenage sons, TJ and Casey. Attractive and functional concrete floors were installed throughout the 3,900-square-foot home, flowing continuously into every room. The focal point of the home is the back-lit onyx island in the
ORIGINAL ESSENCE OF THE DESIGN,
kitchen. LED lights change color so the island can be purple on days
UPDATE THE FEEL AND INSTILL THE
through every color of the rainbow for a New Years' celebration.
CLIENTS' VIBRANT PERSONALIT Y.” One of the main tasks was to open up the kitchen to the living
the Ravens play (or any other color for any other reason), and cycle Peter brought to the table his expertise as an architect of livable, highend homes, while Andrea, an artist who had designed the Burkoms’ previous home, acted as her own interior designer for the project.
and dining area to create a more livable, open space. This required
“It was very collaborative, and neither of us had an ego,” Peter
the removal of a bulky load-bearing masonry wall that included a
says. “We both created a bunch of drawings and design concepts,
fireplace and replacing it with a steel beam and columns, which
searching for the best ideas for her, Ken and the boys. It was a
they decided to leave exposed.
very enjoyable experience.”
CONTINUED >
March 2018 | Towson Lifestyle
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