NARI Award Winning Home Addition Charlotte Project by Seneca Building Group

NARI Award Winning Home Addition in Charlotte | Seneca Building Group

Seneca Building Group is proud to share that our Murray Hill Road project was recognized as a NARI Award Winner in the Residential Addition $250,000 – $500,000 category.

Originally built in 1956, the 1,751-square-foot home no longer supported the homeowners’ lifestyle. Through a carefully designed addition, the project expanded the home by 661 square feet, creating new functional living areas while maintaining the character of the original structure.

This award-winning addition demonstrates how thoughtful design, structural planning, and advanced sound-control construction techniques can transform the comfort and functionality of an existing home.

The Vision

The homeowners loved their location but needed a layout that better supported everyday living. Their goal was to create spaces that improved comfort, privacy, and flow throughout the home.

The addition was designed to include:

• a private primary suite with a large walk-in closet

• a dedicated home office

• a guest ensuite bedroom

• a larger, more functional laundry area

Equally important was the desire for a quiet retreat within the home, as the property sits near a busy road. Creating a peaceful interior environment became a central design objective for the project.

Working alongside Alison Hall Architect, Harkey Tile & Stone, and IDE Structural Engineers, our team focused on honoring the original structure while elevating the livability of the home.

The Challenge

While expanding the home provided new living space, it also introduced several technical challenges.

Because the home is located near a high-traffic road, the homeowners needed the new primary suite and office spaces to be protected from exterior noise. Achieving this required more than traditional construction methods.

In addition, the project involved integrating a 661-square-foot addition into a 1956 structure, requiring careful coordination between framing, materials, and architectural design to ensure the addition felt cohesive with the existing home.

Matching the original brick veneer, reconfiguring interior circulation, and incorporating new mechanical requirements within the laundry room also required thoughtful planning.

Solution

To reduce sound transmission and create a quieter interior environment, the team implemented a layered sound-reduction strategy within the construction of the addition.

Key elements included:

STC-rated Andersen windows

Specialized windows with panes of unequal thickness help disrupt sound waves and significantly reduce exterior noise from traffic.

Offset 2x4 framing

A staggered stud framing system was used to limit the transfer of sound vibrations through the wall structure while also allowing for improved insulation placement.

Rockwool insulation and sound-dampening drywall

Acoustic insulation paired with sound-reducing drywall added additional protection against sound transmission, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior environment.

Together, these components formed a comprehensive sound-control system designed to create a peaceful primary suite and work-from-home environment.

Design Features

Beyond acoustic performance, the addition introduced several carefully considered design elements.

The primary bathroom features a luxury shower suite with a soaking tub, tropical rain shower, and strategically placed windows that allow natural light while maintaining privacy. Tile window surrounds and a built-in foot niche within the shower enhance both functionality and comfort.

A new hallway was introduced to connect the addition with the existing home, improving circulation and allowing direct access between the bedrooms, primary suite, and laundry area.

The laundry room presented a unique technical requirement. Because of the room’s size, building code required fresh makeup air through an opening of at least 100 square inches. To meet this requirement without disrupting the design aesthetic, the team installed Fittes flush wall vents, which blend seamlessly into the hallway wall.

Structural modifications were also required during construction. Existing sunroom windows were closed off to accommodate the wall for the new primary walk-in closet, and interior walls were reconfigured to create a smoother connection between the original home and the new addition.

Result

The completed addition provides the homeowners with expanded living space while dramatically improving comfort and functionality throughout the home.

Careful planning allowed the new spaces to integrate naturally with the original 1956 structure, while the specialized acoustic construction methods created a noticeably quieter environment despite the nearby roadway.

Matching the original brick exterior ensured the addition feels like a natural extension of the home rather than a later modification.

This thoughtful combination of design, engineering, and craftsmanship ultimately earned the project recognition as a NARI Award Winning Home Addition Charlotte, highlighting Seneca Building Group’s commitment to solving complex residential construction challenges through collaborative, detail-driven building practices.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being recognized by NARI means the work meets industry-level standards for excellence.

It validates:

• Quality craftsmanship

• Responsible construction practices

• Strong trade partnerships

• Thoughtful architectural collaboration

At Seneca Building Group, we believe great building is quiet confidence. The details speak for themselves.

This award reinforces our commitment to doing things the right way — structurally sound, architecturally aligned, and client-focused from start to finish.

What is a NARI award?

A NARI award is presented by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to recognize excellence in remodeling design, craftsmanship, and execution.

What makes a home addition award-winning?

An award-winning addition demonstrates structural integrity, architectural consistency, seamless integration with the existing home, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Who builds custom home additions in Charlotte?

Seneca Building Group specializes in architect-collaborative residential additions and structural remodels throughout Charlotte.

How much does a residential addition cost in Charlotte?

Residential additions in Charlotte typically range from $250,000 to $500,000, depending on scope, structure, and finish level.