news : press release

August 16, 2005 - Norway Consul General's Residence

In April 2004, a project was begun to improve the residence of the Norwegian Consul General in Houston Elisabeth Roderburg. The residence was in need of extensive upgrading and updating and the layout of the interior spaces was not suitable for a combined residence and house for public functions. The Norwegian directorate responsible for upkeep of public properties, Statsbygg, determined that the modifications required were far more extensive than a cosmetic remodeling. Thus began a new design for a total renovation of the Norwegian Consul General's Residence.

Nancy Ganucheau of That's Architecture (working as the Design Architect) and Ray Nayle of RNDesigns (working as the Project/Construction Manager) were selected to be the design team. They worked with LBJ Construction, which had recently received the 2004 Remodeler of the Year award from the Greater Houston Building Association. Tragically, Ray Nayle passed away unexpectedly just before the house was completed, adding a note of sadness to the happy conclusion of what had been an enjoyable construction experience.

The renovation of this home was completed in conjunction with Norway's 100th year celebration of independence. Nancy Ganucheau of That's Architecture was given specific instructions regarding the design of the project. "The client wanted me to remember that Norway, while a wealthy nation, thought of themselves as a humble people who have not forgotten their roots. The design needed to make use of natural materials brought together in a simple, yet elegant way. This alone, became my touchstone for every decision. Some of the materials selected were black slate for the floors and natural cherry for the millwork were used throughout the home."

The renovations to the residence were completed in time to celebrate Constitution Day on May 17th 2005, the Norwegian equivalent of our fourth of July.

One's overall impression of the house is one of abundant light and simple elegance. "Gazing at the exterior of the home, one will see a beautifully simple elevation. Upon entering through the large mahogany doors, the design leads the eye to the drawing room's 14-foot ceilings and beyond to a view of the garden. The space is warm and inviting and is enriched by the tall walls of the public areas, filled with the art of notable Norwegian artists.

"Raising the ceiling in certain areas and popping up the roof, presents an interesting solution to the gloom brought about by the original home's ranch-style 8 foot ceiling heights. Although we could not change all of the ceiling heights because we were keeping the old house, we were able to raise the ceilings in some areas and put in larger windows with transoms allowing us to create varying ceiling heights, textural differences and varying light levels. For instance, in the public rooms, drawing room and dining room, the ceiling pops up to 14 feet with light streaming in through lots of tall windows." The previously converted garage, which was a dark space with low ceilings, was torn down and rebuilt to be a new airy inviting family's quarters.