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Barry and Susan Merenstein moved from Churchill in 1995 to the tiny yellow brick Greenfield house his grandparents built in 1959. It's not an uncommon for Pittsburghers to return to live in the very houses they grew up in, but Barry put a little twist on that kind of move. Architect Alan Dunn of Dunn and Associates, designed a contemporary glass entry that floods the interior with light and air, and an open floor plan characterized by bold colors and contrasting textures. As a result, the Merensteins were named a runner-up in the 2010-11 Renovation Inspiration Contest, large project category (over $50,000).
Further impressing the judges was the fact the six-month project, which included an energy audit by "The Energy Doctor" Rhett Major, was sustainable. In bringing Mr. Dunn's designs to life, contractor Charlie Brandon of Charlie Brandon Construction in Portersville sealed cracks with spray foam insulation.
He also installed radiant-heat floors in the new basement family room, painted with non-VOC paints and oversaw installation of one of the most colorful wall units you've ever seen outside of a children's playroom. Crafted by Portersville cabinetmaker Jerry Trombino out of Earth-friendly bamboo, it pairs lime green bookcases with an electric-blue fireplace.
The project started, simply enough, with the Merensteins desire to replace a deteriorated front porch and stairs. They had done a little "a la carte" work on their own before finding Mr. Dunn, whose work in the city they had long admired. One of their first projects was an elevated deck off the back door to give them a better view of the city. But when their youngest child reached high school that they started seriously re-thinking how they wanted to live as empty-nesters. And that's when and why the major renovation took place.
Once separated from the living room by a wall and long, skinny hall, the dining area today is open and airy, with a stunning view across the open staircase of the street below. In the kitchen, an Italian mosaic back splash in shades of tan, green and brown and ebony countertops contrast perfectly with the light maple cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. There's nothing understated about the living room, which in addition to the bamboo wall unit holds orange and red furniture and a colorful collection of art by daughter Shannon, an art teacher at The Environmental Charter School at Frick Park. It's a testament to the Merensteins' love of modern design, something they felt they never before could explore because one, they had no room, and two, the house didn't lend itself to contemporary style.
"My grandparents loved this house, so we're pretty sure they're smiling down on us from somewhere," says Barry Merenstein.
He also installed radiant-heat floors in the new basement family room, painted with non-VOC paints and oversaw installation of one of the most colorful wall units you've ever seen outside of a children's playroom. Crafted by Portersville cabinetmaker Jerry Trombino out of Earth-friendly bamboo, it pairs lime green bookcases with an electric-blue fireplace.
The project started, simply enough, with the Merensteins desire to replace a deteriorated front porch and stairs. They had done a little "a la carte" work on their own before finding Mr. Dunn, whose work in the city they had long admired. One of their first projects was an elevated deck off the back door to give them a better view of the city. But when their youngest child reached high school that they started seriously re-thinking how they wanted to live as empty-nesters. And that's when and why the major renovation took place.
Once separated from the living room by a wall and long, skinny hall, the dining area today is open and airy, with a stunning view across the open staircase of the street below. In the kitchen, an Italian mosaic back splash in shades of tan, green and brown and ebony countertops contrast perfectly with the light maple cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. There's nothing understated about the living room, which in addition to the bamboo wall unit holds orange and red furniture and a colorful collection of art by daughter Shannon, an art teacher at The Environmental Charter School at Frick Park. It's a testament to the Merensteins' love of modern design, something they felt they never before could explore because one, they had no room, and two, the house didn't lend itself to contemporary style.
"My grandparents loved this house, so we're pretty sure they're smiling down on us from somewhere," says Barry Merenstein.
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