Northline Residence

Traditional design and modern luxuries in Old Metairie.

Category
Custom Residential

Location
Metairie, LA

Size
19,400 SF

Year
2007

Located in the New Orleans suburb of Old Metairie, this residential estate grew out of the owner’s desire for a traditionally styled and well-lit home. The initial program included the main house and after the owner acquired a neighboring property, expanded to include several accessory buildings and a pool.

First floor public spaces were arranged along either an axis from the front to the back of the house or on an axis that runs the length of the house. At the center of the house is a multi-story Rotunda, connecting the public first floor to the private second level. The exterior is clad in a limestone veneer with solid limestone columns at porches and breezeways. In contrast to the historical references in the architectural detailing, the building includes modern mechanical, audio/visual, and lighting systems. Great care was taken to hide all of these modern luxuries and comforts so as not to distract from the traditional design.


The main house was completed in December 2004 and the accessory buildings July 2005. When Hurricane Katrina hit the city in August 2005, the house was flooded with two feet of water despite being raised above grade three feet. Because the water sat for weeks, everything below the waterline was ruined and needed to be replaced. Over the next two years, this renovation also gave the owner and architect the opportunity to improve upon the initial design – by replacing the manufactured kitchen cabinetry with custom milled cabinets and adding ceiling treatments to the dining room, library, and family room.

Recognition for Northline Residence

Awards