Our clients, two creative and passionate artists, decided to bring this historic train depot in their beloved town of Accord, NY back to life by restoring the depot’s notable charm while adding a dash of liveliness and playfulness with a contemporary renovation.
During the design we were constantly navigating between preserving the historic characteristics of the depot and incorporating modern design elements to create the modern flair our clients desire. Considerations included things like re-using boards we found with hand-written names and dates as a prominent feature at the entryway and re-purposing the station master’s desk as the “family-style” dining table in the kitchen.
On the exterior we preserved the caboose and front façade – “the identity of the old Accord Depot.” As an expression of our clients’ personalities we are introducing a splash of color at the windows and adding a glass structure on the back to reveal the modern interior and colorful staircase.
Another primary consideration in our design for the Accord Depot is its use as a retreat-type of destination for our client’s dance company. During choreography and rehearsal times, the dancers – often as many as 8 people – live, work and dance together for days at a time. Therefore this 2 bedroom home required some thoughtful design strategies to comfortably accommodate both a single family or a dance company.
The Depot’s historic waiting room will become the living room, and the old baggage room will be turned into a dance studio/ movie room. On the second level, 2 bedrooms utilize as much space as possible within the pitch of the roof. The “master bedroom” is designed with a built-up floor and built-in storage cubbies, reminiscent of an efficiency compartment that might be found in a train car. The second bedroom is designed as a “bunk” room – a fun and open shared space that also allows for privacy and personal space for the occupants.
Our clients asked us to design a modern re-do of the historic 1902 structure but were adamant that the architectural characteristics of the depot remain. Our design for the (Modern) Accord Depot is inspired by our clients’ creative passions, their love for modern design, and a respect for and an interest in celebrating the history of the place.
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