The primary objectives for these returning clients was to expand the current family room, provide access to a previously added lower level deck and open the space to a compact but heavily used kitchen. Issues with setbacks, wetlands and location of the septic system all made for tight parameters in which to fulfill their wishes.
Our design team rose to the challenge and presented a few options from which came the final plan that you see below. The production team’s challenge was to complete the project in time to host an outdoor wedding three months from our start date. We completed it 21 days ahead, well in time for the wedding!
The enlarged family room now allows for seating areas in which this family of seven can read, enjoy the fire, play piano or sit at the new breakfast bar giving the cook more face time while preparing meals. French doors lead to a small deck and stairs to the deck below. When viewed from the rear, the new deck and stairs mirror the previously existing on the opposite end of the house creating the symmetry the client had sought in the design.
"Before" Photo
Side View of the Original House
Virtual Rendering (Side Elevation)
A large stationary picture window with simulated divided lites reflects the look that is typical of the time period in which this home was originally built.
"Before" Photo
Rear View of the Original House
Virtual Rendering (Rear Elevation)
The rear image of the home with dual staircases leading to the lower level deck achieved the symmetry the homeowner was seeking.
When existing structural posts and beams create challenges to open floor spaces we need to embrace them in the design.
This situation led to creating a flex use space off the existing family room that can be used for casual family meals at a long farm table, a reading nook, or a place to gather around the family’s upright piano.
The alignment of the new french doors with the, now open, sink wall of the kitchen allows for a pleasant view when assigned dish duty.
3D modeling of the proposed addition allowed the clients to instantly see how roof lines and design attributes will blend the new addition to the historical design lines and elements of this antique home.
The exterior of the home, recently painted a historic color, looks so good you can’t imagine demoing the side of the house, to make way for an addition.
The family room as shown here awaits expansion.
After consultation with the homeowners, dumpsters and port-o-lets are placed for use during the project.
The presence of lead based paint means extra preparation prior to demolition and lead safe practices while the project is underway.
Demolition is complete.
Deck is framed first, then piers dug to assure accurate positioning.
Footings and piers have been poured so framing can begin.
The deck and stairs get underway.
With the exterior closed up the siding and roofing can begin.
Special attention is paid to the multilayered moldings to ensure as close a match as possible.
New windows and doors have simulated divided light grilles inside and out to replicate original windows.
With framing finished, the new gable mirrors the original that houses the kitchen.
As soon as the exterior is done, the lawn is reseeded, as work continues on the inside.
Seamless gutters are constructed by extruding them on site from roll stock.
Meanwhile, work inside continues - a new half wall is framed for the future breakfast counter.
Insulation will be much appreciated as these antique homes rarely have any to keep you warm.
New wood flooring is carefully woven into the existing floor to create a seamless transition.
Sub flooring replaced the old wood in the kitchen providing a sound base for the new tile. Low maintenance porcelain tile was chosen over stone and has a natural chiseled edge adding instant age to the new floor.
With sheetrock installed the room starts to take shape as trim is ready to be added.
Finally the kitchen has a new view into the adjoining family room.
Box beams will now terminate at the dropped header that replaces the old exterior wall.
Templating for the granite counter ensures a tight fit.
The new granite counter is installed and ready to serve five hungry children.
The kitchen now boasts a clear view to the new family room.
The finished family room awaits the client’s furniture installation.
The rear of the house now has the symmetry created by dual staircases.
Hard to see where the old left off and the new addition began from this exterior view.
Mission Accomplished!