WARREN - When the sun is shining, light is visible through the boards of the house. But soon, all that will change when a two story-house replaces the small, one floor cottage that's stood at the corner of Bridge and Hall streets for more than a century.

The major renovation/addition project is being team-tackled by Douglas and Cory Kallfelz, a husband and wife who work as architects for the same company in Providence.

Although it's not uncommon for the pair to collaborate, this particular project is unusual because the home is theirs.

The couple, who purchased the house in early May, lived in it for about two months before the project got underway. The house was "cozy," a simple, 800 square-foot structure which the couple plans double with a second-floor addition. At the moment, the pair are staying with Mr. Kallfelz' brother in Jamestown until the house is closer to completion. They hope to receive a certificate of occupancy by Thanksgiving, although the finish work on the interior is expected to be their own ongoing project for some time. While they liked the original house, they say it definitely needed work.

Architects Douglas and Cory Kallfelz sit on the steps inside their home under reconstruction on Bridge Street.

"Some of the ceilings were cracked, the walls were bowing, and the floors were sagging. It needed a little work," Mr. Kallfelz said.

The couple decided to take the original structure down to the bare boards for a couple of reasons. While the house was reasonably sound, it could benefit from the addition of plywood on the outside structure, and it would enable the new siding to be uniform throughout both floors. Wherever possible, they kept the original details intact, like the framing and transom window over the door that faces Beach Street. Insulation will be added to the inside, which was also taken down to its basic elements. A contracting team is currently working on building the second floor, and will install the dry wall, insulation, and exterior siding and trim. Much of the remaining work the couple will complete together.

Mr. Kallfelz gained a considerable amount of experience in that arena while he helped his brother build a carriage house.

"We will be doing all the electrical and plumbing ourselves; the remainder will be an ongoing project for years to come; our children will be born with tool belts on," he said with a laugh.

The exact age of the house is a subject of debate. The contractors found a board with a signature on it that read, "Benny Smith, 1882." There are rumors in town that the original structure was once used as a one-room schoolhouse and moved to its current location sometime after 1850. Apparently, the land was sold in 1850, but the Kallfelz believe the house is a bit newer, although that far back, records are a little hazy.

"The boards are definitely machined, probably 1880's or later," Mr. Kallfelz said.

A team effort

The Kallfelzes have years of practice working together on ideas and projects even before they both began working for Donald Powers Architects in Providence. Married for five years, they have lived in Boston, upstate New York, and the East Side of Providence before looking for a house to call their own.

"We did design studio together in college, too, that's pretty intense. Even when we were working for different firms in Boston we worked together on outside projects. We have different design perspectives and learn to compromise and move it along. We have different strengths and weaknesses, we're a pretty effective team," Mr. Kallfelz said.

They are both 32, but they decided to pursue the study of architecture at widely different ages. From a child, Ms. Kallfelz was fascinated by the subject.

"I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be an architect. I was just sort of drawn to architectural drawings. My parents built a house and I was very interested in the process. I was maybe eight years old. I've known for a really long time that I've really liked design," she said.

Mr. Kallfelz took part in a summer architectural program at Cornell University during his junior year of high school. He developed a growing interest in the subject, and pursued it into college. Both attended the Architecture School in Syracuse, New York, where they met.

The couple put some thought into designing their own home. The original style of the front of the house on Bridge Street (although the front door does not face Bridge Street), was Greek Revival. They struggled for a while with the idea of keeping the original look, even while adding a second story, but ultimately felt that the character of the homes in the area should dictate the style of the house.

When the rehab is complete, the house will feature 1,600 square- feet of living space which will include a kitchen, living room, dining room, a small office and a half-bath on the first floor, and three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor.

Mr. Kallfelz said the rooms will not be large, but it's an efficient plan,

"It's definitely a modest home and that's the way we like it," Ms. Kallfelz said.

Both are looking forward to being a part of the community.

"We love Warren; it's got a real Main Street, and real public amenities. You can walk around and get a cup of coffee and see people," Mr. Kallfelz said.

By Cindy VanSchalkwyk

Contributing Writer