Originally built for William Butler, president of Aronimink Golf Club at the time, Birch Knoll was designed in 1947 by Philadelphia based architect George Daub. This international style house sits on 2.5 acres overlooking the golf course. George Daub was a classicist by training, but at the pinnacle of his career in the 1930’s he was working on the edge of new modernism.

Peter Zimmerman Architects was hired by the current owners to “bring Birch Knoll back” to what it had been originally with the necessary additions to accommodate the lifestyle of a modern family. Also classically trained, Peter Zimmerman, AIA was pleased with the challenge. “Having grown up in this area, I was familiar with “Birch Knoll”. It is an excellent example of a true international style house. As I watched it fall into wrack and ruin I remember thinking one day someone will see this house for what it is- a structure with great bones. Our clients saw just that. It was a great project to work on.”

The additions to this residence consisted of a new family room with kitchen, and a sunroom with a master bath and roof deck above. The balance of the house was gutted and the spaces rearranged and completely modernized including state of the art “smart house” technology which maximizes energy efficiency. Additionally there was restoration and refinishing of the floors, built in cabinetry and wood furniture. Finally, a full landscape design plan was developed.

The addition was designed to fit seamlessly with the existing house and showcases materials such as red cedar siding, various types of marble, exotic wood veneers, native stone and single glazed aluminum frame windows.