R. J. Doerr Company

R. J. DOERR COMPANY, LLC

Design-Build, Architectural Restoration

& General Contracting

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

Caufield-Norman Residence / Blue Sky Farm

R. J. Doerr Company was contacted by the future owners of this structure during their deliberations over the purchase. The multi-unit home they were considering was by first impression of little value, yet certain qualities of the house, specifically its proportions and massing, suggested something more. Limited investigative demolition revealed a circa 1770’s log house and a later 18th century limestone summer kitchen, long hidden beneath layers of aluminum, plywood and drywall.

Thus began a meticulous restoration and renovation, including a design-build addition of approximately 1000 square feet that effectively doubled the size of the residence. The scope of work was inclusive, interior to exterior, systems to finishes. Structural remediation included the underpinning of existing foundations, replacement of deteriorated logs, repair of floor and roof systems, and rebuilding of masonry hearths and chimneys. Existing mechanical and electrical systems were completely replaced. Exterior restoration included the construction of pent eaves, the installation of flush-board siding, replacement of log chinking, masonry repointing, period door and window replacement, and roofing among other components. Interior restoration included the construction of a two-level winding staircase, the fabrication and installation of period mantelpieces, installation of antique flooring, period millwork, casework, and plaster finishes throughout.

Caufield-Norman Residence at purchase

Investigative demolition reveals an 18th century log building

Restoration underway with the fabrication of pent eaves and flushboard siding

The missing chimney of the circa 1790 Summer Kitchen is reconstructed

Rear view of the circa 1790 Summer Kitchen and the 1000 square foot, design-build addition

Courtesy Country Living

Private Residence and Bank Barn

Work for this client began with a commission to coordinate the relocation and reconstruction of a circa 1830 Pennsylvania bank barn, purchased in the interest of preservation. The 47 by 91 foot, timber framed barn, was removed from its original site near Gettsyburg, and, following extensive structural repair, raised bent by bent, on a new hillside foundation in eastern Pennsylvania. To take advantage of sweeping views of the Delaware River Valley offered by its new locale, a 20 by 14 foot observation cupola was added atop the structure. the cupola is accessed by way of a heavy-timber central stair-system. Both the cupola and its stair were designed by R. J. Doerr Company. Roughly 80% of the barn’s original construction was retained during relocation.
Soon after the completion of the barn, R. J. Doerr Company was commissioned to construct a new residence on the same tree covered hillside. The residence was designed by California architect Thomas Michna in a style that while contemporary, expresses an affection for the past. The home is rich in architectural details that honor the use of traditional materials and craftsmanship, thus making a strong connection with late 19th and early 20th century design. The home’s interior is light and open, yet cozy, rustic yet elegant. A towering stone fireplace and chimney mass form the house’s center. Surrounding this feature is an expansive great room, with rough sawn trusses and a bedroom and services core that incorporates the timber-frame of a 19th century carriage barn.

Residence

Residence looking west

Residence looking southwest

The antique timber-frame around which the residence took shape

Residence looking south

Residence looking northeast

Left exposed, the antique timber-frame became a central component of finishes in the Master Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

The completed Kitchen. Here again the antique timber frame is a significant component of the interior's finish

The Great Room's central two-sided fireplace is constructed of savaged limestone and includes a hearthstone measuring over 11 feet in length and weighing in excess of 2000 pounds

Master Bedroom fireplace

Master Bathroom

Back Hall and Guest Bedroom

The Great Room opposite the massive central fireplace

Bank Barn

Bank Barn looking northeast

Bank Barn looking northwest

Bank Barn looking soutwest

Bank Barn looking southeast

The Bank Barn re-erected on its new foundation

R. J. Doerr mechanics set ridge members

Observation cupola, fabricated on the ground, is craned into place

Scribner Residence / Deemer House

Constructed in 1825, the Scribner Residence is a late, yet nice example of a "vernacular" federal style farm house, popular during the first quarter of the 19th century in rural Pennsylvania. R. J. Doerr Company assumed restoration work begun by the previous homeowner targeted at reversing decades of change and deferred maintenance that had greatly diminished the crisp luster that distinguishes the fully restored property today. Though now outfitted with the amenities of a contemporary residence, the house represents a highly intact, traditional Pennsylvania farmhouse.

Conducted over a period of 10 months, R. J. Doerr Company's work included design and construction services addressing the home's interior and exterior, including mechanical / electrical systems and groundwater management. On its exterior, deteriorated woodwork was repaired, being and replicated as required to match existing period profiles, and stonework was cleaned and repointed. Two of the home's three chimneys were rebuilt and all were relined to render them functional once again. Limited window repair and restoration was also performed, and new reproduction shutters were installed.

The interior scope of work included the construction of a fully updated and modern kitchen, two full bathrooms, and the conversion of a previously unfinished attic area into guest quarters. Period moldings were installed and extensive casework was performed throughout the residence. Staircases were repaired and modified as warranted and antique flooring was repaired and refinished. Finishes included the repair of existing and the installation of new plaster surfaces and painted finishes inside and out.