Casa Akumal

Overview

This one-story cottage, originally constructed in 1910 and located in the Morehead Hill neighborhood of Durham, NC, is now the newly renovated part-time home of WSDG Co-Founders John Storyk and Beth Walters-Storyk.

Program / Design

Casa Akumal – named for the town in Mexico where John and Beth also spend part of the year – was purchased with the dream of having a comfortable home close to the families of their two sons. The year-long design and construction odyssey, done in collaboration with the Durham Historic Preservation Commission, transformed an historic property into a modern residence with tasteful, classic touches that will serve as the couple’s residence in Durham.

The original home maintains its classic design aesthetic, while the sides and rear have a modern look befitting the identity of its owners. It was essentially re-configured to now accommodate a new master bedroom guest bedroom and private office for John’s work. The building was then extended in a similar respectfully historical style to house a new living room, dining room, large kitchen for Beth’s cooking passion, screened in porch and outdoor deck.

Unique to the renovation is a 35 foot pedestrian bridge which connects the renovation to a new more modern two story structure housing a garage / shop as well as Beth’s painting studio. All of this took place due to the unique sloping nature of the urban site down to a small stream.

John’s office includes a custom staircase which leads up to a secret attic, designated as the hangout and play space for John and Beth’s grandchildren.