The Gear-Foulkes Residence

The Gear-Foulkes Residence

Location: 168 Addison
Architect: Unknown. Addition by Paul Sterner, AIA, LEED NC
Year: 1888

This Queen Anne Victorian welcomes visitors with an abundance of natural light not typical of homes of its era. Light plays off stunning oak woodwork throughout and creates an ambiance of warmth inspiring creativity in those fortunate to live here, including the notable Mrs. E.H. Bangs, a suffragate and poet who lived in the home for over 40 years. The current owners have restored and preserved the original structure of the home and in 2012 added a thoughtfully designed addition raising the functionality of the home to modern-day standards with minimal environmental impact. Living space on the second level is maximized with a cascading floor plan that enables greater volume in a smaller footprint. A permeable driveway offsets water run-off attenuated by the rear addition and resolved pre-existing drainage issues. Strategic placement of windows and skylights in the addition allows for long periods of filtered natural light to be used in lieu of electricity. And, consistent with the owners’ forward-thinking approach to the longevity of this gem, the home is now equipped for solar power.