Renovation541 West Paces Ferry went through extensive Renovations from top to bottom. Following are some photos illustrating the construction phase. Geothermal energy runs historic house, reducing utility bills from $6500 to $150 a month541 West Paces Ferry Road is better than new. This elegant Italianate landmark combines the best of classical Venetian architecture with the restoration methods and technology of the 21st century. Owner Zurab Lezhava (chief engineer of one of the largest restoration companies while living overseas) had the knowledge and utilized his time and resources to update this historic house to be the epitome of comfortable living and gracious entertaining while securing its future for the next century. Work: The house runs on geothermal energy provided by 27 wells in the front yard. Each well provides one ton of free energy. Geothermal systems use an earth loop of pipes to extract heat from the ground, which is then distributed through a high velocity 2-inch duct system as warm air, providing very efficient delivery. For cooling, the system reverses with the heat being taken from the building and moved back into the earth loop. Drinking and irrigation water is provided by a 28th well in the front yard. Result: $6500-$7000 monthly gas and water bill was reduced to $150-$250 electric bill. Work: Drainage system of the whole property was replaced, along with built in gutters and downspouts. French drains where needed were installed to carry water away from the house. Space for a new foundation was dug and poured under the exterior walls along the courtyard. Result: House is dry and healthy - The humidity in the basement/terrace level is now always below 45 percent. In the terrace level extra living space was created. Work: All flat roofs are entirely new. The tile roof structure was reinforced, supporting posts in the attic were removed, and extensive structural changes were made to the rafter layout. All of the floor joists have been reinforced (doubled or replaced). The red oak hardwood floors were removed, new plywood was laid as the subfloor and the original floors were replaced. Doors and door frames were removed, straightened and made square, and put back. The structure of the attic on top of the sunroom and the family room was changed, turning the ceilings/roofs into floors. Result: All of the floors and doors have been made level and sturdy. 3rd level living space was created with eight large skylights to let in more natural light. Two spacious terraces/verandas adjacent to bedrooms were created and are covered with flamed granite. Six windows were also made into French doors that open onto terraces. Work: 18 layers of lead paint were removed from all doors, windows and walls. All asbestos insulation was removed from the house. Result: House as healthy as any new construction in 21st century. All original doors and windows have been reused, including the attic and basement. Work: Servants quarters and small closets (that used to occupy 1/3 of the house) were removed. Result: Servant quarters were transformed into living space of the same significance as rest of the house. All four bedrooms are master suites with their own new enlarged and redesigned bathrooms. Award-winning bathrooms were designed by Jackie Naylor, where the heated floors can be turned on by telephone. A fake window in a bedroom was transformed into a real window. Significantly more sunlight is brought into the house.
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