Restoring History with Modern Performance: Renovating the William King House in Abingdon, VA

Some homes carry a story you can feel the moment you walk inside. Our recent renovation in Abingdon, VA began with the William King House, a property originally built in 1802 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Working on a home like this is both an honor and a responsibility.

The photo above shows the lower-level basement of the original home, showcasing centuries-old stonework and hand-hewn timber. Spaces like this cannot be recreated, and our goal from day one was to protect what made this structure special while ensuring the home would function comfortably and efficiently for modern living.

Honoring a Nationally Recognized Historic Property

Renovating a historic home is very different from renovating any other structure. The original portion of the William King House required a precise and respectful approach:

• Stabilize and preserve the existing stone foundation and timber framing

• Retain visible historic elements wherever possible

• Protect the moisture and airflow dynamics of a 200-year-old envelope

• Avoid covering or modernizing the character that defines the home

Working inside a nationally recognized historic property forces you to slow down. You cannot rush. You cannot substitute. You honor the craftsmanship that came before you.

Where the Historic Meets the Modern

While the historic basement and original structure remain preserved, the new addition and envelope upgrades allowed us to bring in the high-performance standards we are known for:

• Rockwool insulation for durability, fire resistance, and moisture-safe performance

• Continuous exterior insulation to reduce thermal bridging

• Huber ZIP-R System sheathing and tape for a tight, clean, water-resistant shell

• Updated building-science details that balance modern performance with historic sensitivity

It is a rare opportunity to blend a nationally recognized historic structure with modern building science. The contrast creates something truly special.

Our Philosophy on Craft and Preservation

Whether we are creating a new high-performance home or preserving a 200-year-old structure, our approach is always the same:

• Build with intention

• Protect what matters

• Elevate comfort, durability, and livability

• Leave the home better than you found it

Renovations like this reconnect you to the purpose behind the work. You are not just updating a space. You are protecting a legacy.

A Project That Will Stay With Us

We are grateful for the trust our clients placed in us as we renovated a home that has stood for more than two centuries, and proud of our team for delivering work that respects both the past and the future.

If you own a historic home, or want to incorporate high-performance methods into an older property, we would love to connect.