Modern living room with wooden beams, lounge chairs, sofa, coffee table, floor lamps, artwork, large windows, and stone fireplace.

Retro(fit) on the Hill

Reimagining a mid-century modern classic

This historic gem in Rochester was lovingly reimagined for today’s modern lifestyle—all while honoring the integrity of its original design.

    • Whole-home retrofit of a 1950s residence using sustainable materials and energy-smart practices

    • Photovoltaic solar array with battery backup for optimized energy independence

    • Garage expansion equipped with EV charging

    • Modernized kitchen now opens to dining space for better connection and function

    • Custom basement retreat featuring a Murphy bed, bathroom, and private fitness zone

HAUS Builders partnered with CRW Architecture + Design and interior designers Design Studio B to bring the vision to life for this home, originally designed by Ellerbe & Co.

The dramatic living room incorporates a sculptural Tulikivi fireplace while Nordic patio doors and a redesigned kitchen bring light and openness to previously closed-off rooms.

Every detail of this home was designed to improve flow, comfort, and energy performance—without compromising style.

Project Scope

Remodel

Year Completed

2021

Our Partners

Builder | HAUS Builders/ Mike Allen Home Builders Photography | Dean Riggott Photography
Architect | CRW Architecture & Design
Interior Design | Design Studio B

House with solar panels on the roof, stone chimney, and lamp post in a rural setting.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, stone countertop, stainless steel appliances, and a view into a living area with a stone wall.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, black countertops, stainless steel appliances, a coffee machine, and green cabinetry. A small dining area with a round table and two white chairs is visible near a window.
A cozy indoor lounge area with a wooden ceiling and a skylight. The room features modern gray sofas, a green patterned rug, a coffee table with a potted plant, and spherical pendant lights. There are red leather chairs, wooden walls with a stone base
Dog lying on a brown leather sofa in a modern living room with a stone wall and an arched floor lamp.
House exterior with yellow door, stone facade, and solar panels on roof.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, island with a black countertop, and five beige bar stools on a wooden floor.
Modern living room with mid-century style armchairs, a stone fireplace, and a round clock on top. The ceiling features wooden beams, and there is a framed artwork on the wall. A coffee table with magazines sits on a gray rug.
Outdoor wooden staircase with metal railings leading to an elevated deck surrounded by trees, with stone and wood construction elements visible.
Wooden house with solar panels on the roof.
Modern living room with wooden beams, fireplace, sliding glass doors, mid-century furniture, and neutral decor
Modern shower with dark blue tile wall, white side tiles, handheld showerhead, and floor drain.
Wooden outdoor staircase with metal railings, surrounded by green trees and sunlight casting shadows.