Philadelphia Protestant Home
Florida Room Renovation & Conservatory Addition

Philadelphia, PA

The existing Lounge, adjacent to the Main Dining Room, was subject to a high volume of resident traffic but was never utilized to its fullest potential. Despite its central location, residents and their families rarely used the room. This lack of use can be attributed to the low level of both natural and artificial lighting and uncomfortable furniture. The design problem presented by the owner to the design team was to create a new space in which residents, their families and visitors would be encouraged to congregate.

To achieve the owner's 'vision', the 2,250 square foot room was completely renovated and a small conservatory addition was appended to the space. The 'Florida Room', with all new ceramic floor tile, carpet, wall and ceiling finishes and a fountain as a centerpiece create a feeling of being in an Italian piazza. The existing vending machine area was converted into a fifties' style ice cream 'Bistro' as complement to after-dinner activities and other social events. A portion of the exterior wall was removed to allow for the construction of the conservatory. The addition of the conservatory permitted an abundance of natural light to brighten the 'Florida Room' and also provided a view of and a better connection with the beautifully landscaped courtyard.