Before
Lakewood Revival Residence
Residential Renovation | 1,300 SqFt
Cedar Rapids, IA
Lakewood Revival Residence is an extensive residential renovation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transforming a former custom builder’s home into an enduring, multigenerational retreat. With expanded indoor and outdoor living spaces, a reimagined primary suite, and a refined material palette, the project balances architectural continuity with contemporary comfort—creating a home for family life, relaxation, and community connection.
The Opportunity
Tucked within the quiet suburbs north of the Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Lakewood Revival Residence presented a unique opportunity to transform a former custom home-builder’s residence into an enduring, multigenerational retreat. The clients—a family passionate about elevated living, hosting and gathering—sought a home that could support both the everyday and seasonal entertainment and changes. Initially focused on reconfiguring the primary suite and updating the living room's hearth, the project quickly evolved into a comprehensive renovation that touched nearly every aspect of the home’s interior and exterior.
The Solution
The design intent was to create a cohesive environment that honored the home’s original character while introducing a refined craft with material sensibility. The interior renovation reimagined the spatial flow, improved daylighting, and defined privacy throughout the home, while reorienting the primary suite to offer a more layered entry sequence and maximize views of the surrounding landscape. A new layout for the bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet enhanced comfort and natural light, and the dedicated home office was repositioned away from public gathering spaces to support a focused work-from-home environment. The living room’s hearth was reproportioned to elevate the scale of the space and anchor the connection between the living room / kitchen, and living room / main entry. A material palette selected for durability, warm, and texture supported a timeless and elevated casual comfort. The exterior transformation was equally significant, replacing aged cedar lap siding with a combination of smooth stucco and lime-washed brick, and installing nearly 75 new and replacement windows to enhance daylighting and strengthen the visual connection to the landscape. The redesigned entry vestibule, curated landscaping, and generous front lawn created a sense of welcome and arrival, while the expansion of rear outdoor living spaces—including a small putting green, new plantings, and a private porch off the primary suite—supported the family’s love for hosting and connection to nature.
The Impact
This residential renovation and redesign gave the home a fresh, modern identity rooted in warmth and longevity. Inside, the updates reflect the family’s desire for a space that feels both welcoming and enduring, while the expanded outdoor living areas support their love for hosting, nature, and connection. Together, these enhancements create a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle—one that celebrates relaxation, gatherings, and the ease of “staycation” living from spring through fall.
The Team
Architect of Record: Form Function Studio
General Contractor: Buresh Construction