Launch Slideshow

What a Gas

Play Slideshow >>

What a Gas

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/A_tcm17-861716.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    A new wood overhang adds a modern touch to the top of the existing building.

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/B_tcm17-861724.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    Moving the entry to the side provides a better connection between the interior bar and exterior seating area. Steel posts support the wood-framed canopy, which has an underside made of Georgia-Pacific’s Densglass sheathing (http://www.gp.com/build/densglass-fiberglassmat-sheathing), painted red to match the oilcloth ceiling of the restaurant.

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/C_tcm17-861732.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    The concrete bar countertop rests on concrete supports in each corner. There is storage underneath, concealed by MDF panels covered with a metallic laminate. “Instead of using pulls, we cut out circles in the doors,” architect Kristin Hefty says. The lighting is a mix of vintage and reproduction fixtures.

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/D_tcm17-861740.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    Hefty says that the header above the windows was undersized, so the team installed steel tubes behind the window mullions to support the cantilevered overhang.

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/E_tcm17-861748.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    The designers chose to keep the metal windows, but had the damaged segments repaired. Film on the lower half of the windows helps provide privacy for street-side diners.

  • http://www.remodelingmagazine.net/Images/F_tcm17-861756.jpg

    600

    Philip Thomas Photography

    The crew patched the original stonework where they had removed the original front door.

Priorities

  • Convert a dilapidated 1954 storefront and gas station into a restaurant; reinforce the existing structure’s foundation

Solutions

At first the owners of this restaurant began working with architect Jim Poteet, who created conceptual drawings for the building exterior. But it soon became apparent that the small project and tight budget were better suited to a design/build model, so Wiese Hefty Design Build was hired.

Architect Kristin Wiese Hefty says the owners wanted a modern restaurant, but one that took its cues from the era of the original structure. To expand the feel of the 933-square-foot building, the designer placed the outdoor seating area to the side of the building, with the entry, and added a canopy.

Judges’ comments

The judges appreciated the “life and energy” the designers infused into this project. “I find this really animated,” one judge said. They were also impressed by the authentic details and 1950s-style elements. —Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.

Project Team

Designers:Wiese Hefty Design Build, San Antonio, and Poteet Architects, San Antonio

Contractor: Wiese Hefty Design Build

Spec List

Bathroom plumbing fittings: Kohler

Bathroom plumbing fixtures: Kohler 

Interior doors: Progressive Solutions

Kitchen cabinets: Concepts in Cabinetry

Lighting fixtures: Hip Haven

Paints/stains: Benjamin Moore