Tudor Revival
Project Overview
Last summer, MHS successfully completed the gut renovation of this 2,600 sf home located near the Hudson River’s edge in the Bronx, in the Riverdale area. The area was popular among the newly wealthy stockbrokers of the 1920s to 1940s. The area’s dense tree cover was ideal for Wallstreeters, especially because of the convenient commute to Downtown Manhattan. This “revivalist” movement was inspired by the architecture of the English countryside. MHS was tasked with modernizing the finishes while preserving the original architectural language of the home.
Before
After
Riverdale, Bronx, NY
Unlike most neighborhoods in the Bronx, Riverdale’s winding suburban streets are lined with tree and houses are built on large lots. It has a classic downtown area, many historic buildings and scenic views of the Hudson River.
The Riverdale area looks significantly more green than the dense surrounding urban areas. Google Earth, 3D view, base map with Canva notes.
The “Stockbroker Tudors”
The Tudor Revival style was popular with New York’s banking class before WWII. Also dubbed the "Stockbroker Tudors" or “Banking Suburbs,” their architects used building elements of English cottages, while utilized contemporary building techniques. The “style” could easily be pasted onto the facade. Architecture purist decry these as “fake” Tudors as devoid of context and structural functionality.
This “revivalist” movement was a trend throughout New York City, but also spread to other cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles, according to Kristin' Hohenadel’s article in the Spruce.
Facade Restoration
The restoration of this mansion's exterior involved a careful balance of preserving its historical character while also modernizing the building's systems for the comfort and enjoyment of the new owners. The home had been left neglected for some time, but the goal was to restore it to its former grandeur.
This project featured classic Tudor elements such as red brick, half-timbering, stucco finish, a gabled roof with dormers, and mullioned windows. The key to success in this restoration project was a clear vision and attention to detail.
The facade before the renovation.
A scaffolding structure was erected to access the upper levels of the building's façade.
1/2 Timbers
Tudor houses also feature half timbers, which are decorative timbers that are used to create the appearance of a timber-framed building, even though the building is typically made of brick or stone. The half-timbers are often visible on the gable ends of the roof, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the style.
The half timbers on the facade, which require repair, sanding, and painting. English Tudor homes employ timber construction, but in this case, the wood on the facade serves only as an aesthetic feature. The use of half timbers creates the illusion of timber construction. To modernize the look, the timbers can be painted in a light blueish-gray color, rather than the traditional dark brown.
The image illustrates the contrast between the appearance of the stucco before and after it underwent power washing and repairs.
Stucco & Brick Finishes
Over time, white stucco yellows. To revive its appearance, power-wash or replace it if damaged. In the images above, we can see the difference before and after power-washing the stucco.
Exterior brick finishes also need maintained and repaired, especially after a century of exposure to the elements. The mortar, a cement-like substance, is the glue for the bricks together and can wear-and-tear over years and could create water damage inside the walls, but bricks can also come loose over time. This can be dangerous.
Exposure to the element can start to wear on face brick, especially in pre-war constructions like this one. The brick’s mortar, a cement-like substance keeping bricks together, can deteriorate over the years and potentially cause water damage within walls. Additionally, bricks can loosen over time, which can be dangerous. This could compromise the structural integrity of the brick wall.
The Roof
Tudor architecture is known for its steeply pitched gable roofs that not only serve a practical purpose, shedding rainwater and snow to prevent leaks and water damage, but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the style. The sloped roof design, specifically tailored for the heavy rain and snowfall in the UK where the style originated, provides additional space for attics or upper levels, and accommodates the chimneys, which were crucial for heating and lighting in the past. The gable roof also adds grandeur and a striking visual feature to the architecture.
Older buildings, like this one, often have roof issues, mainly leaks that damage structural components like the sheathing and rafters. The wooden framework is made up of wood rafters that support the roof. A water barrier and asphalt shingles are installed on wood sheathing. This is the plywood installed onto of the rafters and serve lateral support. Asphalt shingle roofs last about 15 - 30 years, but could last as long as 50 years with regular maintenance in mild climates.
The most common roof issues with older roofs include:
Leaks happen when water barriers fail, causing the structure to rot as mold grows inside.
Damage from harsh weather, such as winds, rain, snow, and ice, damage roofing materials.
Age, roofing materials break down over time, causing rotting, warping, or cracking.
Improper installation or maintenance.
Clogged gutters or downspouts cause water to back up and damage the roof.
In this project, MHS replaced the roof and repaired any rotting roof rafters. Taking into consideration that the North East climate includes harsh weather, high winds and heavy rain, the homeowner went with a more durable and resistant product, Timberline shingles. Additionally, the shingle design resembles a more traditional wood-shake look.
Snow Guards
Additionally, snow guards, spiked inserts, are very useful on steeply sloped roofs during snowy winters common in the North East. Snow guards (pictured below) help keep heavy wet snow from slipping off the roof.
Circulation
The steps up to the main entry were in need of repair. The main entrance and side entrance are on the second level, resulting in long stair runs from the driveway.
The stone steps are integrated into the topography. Metal stair railing were replaced on both runs. Stone retaining walls holding soil were in need of repair.
Garage door repaired.
Stone steps repaired.
Interior Renovation
Entryway & Stairs
Upon entering the building, the space opens onto the stairway up to the second floor. MHS repaired and refinished the wood on steps and landing, but also the wooden bluester. The updated lighting feature adds a focal point to the space.
Master Bathroom Design
MHS worked closely with the homeowners to ensure that all bathroom accessories were installed in specified location with all required utilities and wall backing.
Towel Warmer
Ceramic Tile
White Subway Tile
Round Wall Sconces
Mirror / Medicine Cabinet
Faucet
Sink Basin
Custom Millwork
Vanity Area
In the Master Bathroom, the tub was replaced for a large open shower. Additionally, wall-mounted lighting fixtures and installing white subway tile instantly brightened up the space. The custom millwork frames the double vanity and medicine cabinets.
Other Bathrooms
Below is a sneak peek into the other bathrooms in the residence that use both traditional fixture elements with modern accessories and finishes. The lines created where different materials meet are critical to get right, since the naked eye can easily pick up on lines that are not level. MHS team uses laser levels to measure and guide the installation process.
Wood Flooring
MHS refinished wood flooring throughout the house. Hardwood flooring can last up to a century, but requires regular maintenance.
Kitchen Design
White subway tile is also used as the backsplash in the kitchen. It is full height at the stove and exhaust. The contrasting grout is accentuated at the corner edge detail sharply defining the change in direction of the wall surface. Similar style of wall mounted round light fixture are also used in Master Bathroom. New wood flooring in the kitchen elevates the design, but also brings warmth into the space.
