Virginia AIA Merit Award for Excellence in Residential Design | What appeared to be a simple, worn-out, early 20th century stucco cottage was to be modestly renovated as a weekend retreat. But when the contractor and architects began pulling away the interior wall finishes, they discovered a log cabin at its core (believed to date as far back as the 1780’s) and a newer addition (circa 1920’s) at the rear where the site slopes down. Initial plans were scrapped, and a new project was born that honors the original construction while accommodating new infrastructure and the clients’ modern tastes. The original log cabin was entirely concealed behind painted wood paneling on the interior and stucco on the exterior. Logs were cleaned with a wire brush to maintain much of the original whitewash and chinking between logs was carefully repaired, replaced and stained with tea to the perfect color. One of the log cabin’s original windows, boarded up when the 20th century addition was built, was revealed. Minimalist details were devised to contrast with the carefully uncovered and restored materials. A custom fabricated modern fireplace surround adds simplicity and clean lines as a contrast to the texture of the log walls.