The Art of Aging: Using Lime Paint to Blend New with Old in Charleston

Project Profile -- Sustainable Construction

A Designer and Resident of Catfiddle Street

Andrew Gould is a building designer specializing in Orthodox churches and residential homes. Andrew is based in Charleston, South Carolina, and began practicing in 2004. Gould’s passion for traditional design is evident in his work. With a strong foundation in art history and architecture, he brings a unique perspective to his projects. His designs are rooted in the rich traditions of the past, yet they also possess a contemporary relevance. His distinctive style and
passion for traditional design can be seen in his work on the Catfiddle project in the historic district of Charleston. Gould used his unique style to design new construction homes to fit into the historic neighborhood and renovate existing historic homes. He has made a significant impact on the world of architecture and design through his company, New World Byzantine.

About the Catfiddle Neighborhood

Catfiddle Street is a residential development located in the historic district of Charleston, South Carolina. Initiated by a developer seeking a suitable property, the project transformed a once-vacant industrial site into a residential neighborhood. Gould explained that the land was perfect for their development, stating,”We were able to build the houses on the ground instead of having to elevate them above the flood level.” Unlike most of Charleston, which is very low and floods badly, this property was elevated because it is the site of an earthen fort built for the War of 1812 – when Charleston was worried about a landward British attack on the peninsula. From the beginning of the project in 2007, Andrew and his colleagues had to overcome many challenges with zoning and engineering regulations, and it was even a hurdle to the buildings approved by the historic board due to the location within the historic district. Gould says, “In those days, the board thought that old buildings should look old and new buildings should look new – meaning modernistic”. Gould then states, “It took a while to get the city onboard; however, once the quality of our work became apparent, the elected officials of the city gave us the support we needed. Even the historic board eventually came round to appreciating the new- traditional philosophy behind our work.”

Catfiddle Street features a mix of restored wooden houses from the 1890s with newly constructed masonry houses that are more reminiscent of the antebellum buildings of Charleston. Gould states, “All of the developers participating in Catfiddle Street are enthusiasts of new traditional architecture, and their main reason for doing this development had been to participate in the new urbanist movement – to build a new community with traditional architecture.” Gould further states, “The new homes were designed to build upon the historic beauty of Charleston.”

New Construction with Old Charm

While restoration played a role in the Catfiddle project, the neighborhood is mostly new construction. The new structures are the work of several designers. They’re quite eclectic, even whimsical, in style. But by using materials and details that are traditional throughout the old city, Catfiddle Street feels like Charleston, and at the same time feels fresh and unique.

Why Keim Lime Paint was Used

Andrew Gould’s affinity for Keim Mineral Paints stemmed from a prior experience working on an Orthodox church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Impressed by the paint’s exceptional technical properties, the designer opted to use Keim both internally and externally on the church. Upon completing the church, Gould was pleased with how Keim paints performed and chose to use Keim paints for the Catfiddle Neighborhood. The paint’s breathability proved ideal
for the solid masonry exterior of the new homes and prevented fading even with the use of bold colors. Gould explained that he mainly chose Keim paints because of their breathability and non-fading properties. “I like to use strong colors – especially reds and yellows. Those colors fade quickly with other paint brands, but not with Keim.” He continued, “When you have colors that don’t fade, you don’t have to repaint, so it’s a big advantage using Keim.” Also, Romanit, a lime-based option, develops the desirable weathered and aged appearance that Andrew was seeking. Andrew explains that Romanit was a great product to use for the new structures; “We wanted them to feel warm and organic like historic buildings, and that requires them to weather like old historic buildings”. By selecting Romanit, Andrew, and the developers achieved the desired aesthetic of aged, historic buildings while ensuring the long-lasting quality of the finished
product.

The Response of the Catfiddle Project

The Catfiddle project has garnered significant attention and praise from the architectural and design community. Featured in numerous publications and articles, the neighborhood has become a must-see destination for urban planning and architecture students eager to study its successful integration of new construction within a historic context. Gould explains that the project’s charm has extended beyond professional circles, attracting celebrities and international visitors captivated by this new expression of old-Charleston character. Much of the best new-traditional architecture in South Carolina is to be found in gated communities and barrier-island resort-towns. The fact that Catfiddle Street is right in the city and accessible to the public has contributed to its widespread appeal, allowing anyone to appreciate its beauty and innovative design.

Project Links:

New World Byzantine Article

Congress for the New Urbanism Article

Urban Ergonomics Article

Why is the Project so Significant

The Catfiddle project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional architecture. Gould explains that “Charleston is a living museum of historic architecture” and that you are surrounded by beautiful southern architecture everywhere you look. The project has captured the essence of Charleston’s charm by adhering to simple, human-scale building forms and
emphasizing meticulous detailing at the windows, doors, porches, and paint colors. Gould states, “The architecture of Charleston is at a human scale – a pedestrian can walk through the city and really relate to all the small details and handmade textures – beautiful things that are right up to the sidewalk and at eye level”. The use of Keim paints was instrumental in achieving the desired aesthetic, allowing the new buildings to weather gracefully and develop a patina reminiscent of the city’s historic structures. Unlike the towering skyscrapers of cities like New York, Charleston’s architecture invites intimate engagement, encouraging pedestrians to appreciate the intricacies of each building up close. Catfiddle Street exemplifies this approach, creating a neighborhood that is both visually stunning and welcoming to all.

Keim Links:

Keim Preservation Page

Romanit Lime Paint Product Page

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The Art of Aging: Using Lime Paint to Blend New with Old in Charleston

Project Profile -- Sustainable Construction

A Designer and Resident of Catfiddle Street

About the Catfiddle Neighborhood

New Construction with Old Charm

Why Keim Lime Paint was Used

The Response of the Catfiddle Project

Why is the Project so Significant

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