AFTER - Our Solutions
New Entry
The front door was moved to the front of the house by filling in the space between the house and the garage. This new entry projects past the front of the original house and joins the house and garage.
Display of Artwork
The newly-enclosed area between the garage and house was made into a Gallery space. This connecting piece was built as a story-and-a-half high structure, with clerestory windows that face north and bring indirect natural light down into the Gallery and living areas of the house. The wall between the Gallery and the original house was removed, to open up the public space. Lighting for artwork was installed on the existing wood beams, which were retained and supported by an ingenious structural method. The rear of the Gallery extended past the rear of the garage, providing a view onto the landscaped hillside behind, as well as a door opening onto the patio there.
Basement Stairs
The "Stairs of Death" were moved to one side of the public area, along an existing interior wall. The partial-height walls around the old stairway were removed.
Public Spaces
The existing kitchen was demolished and an all-new kitchen designed and installed. The rough stone facing on the fireplace and hearth were replaced with slate tiles. New, recessed lighting was installed. A new dining room was created by enclosing the porch north of the living room and installing windows there. Wood flooring was installed in the kitchen, with carpet elsewhere. Lighting design for the project was created by IN.VISION Architecture.
Exterior
The wavy wood siding was replaced with narrow, cement-based siding and the sad-eyed windows were replaced with rectangular windows. All new windows have insulated glass. As the roof had not originally been insulated, 2x12 framing was installed over the existing roof decking. This provided space for roof insulation and also allowed the installation of recessed lighting.
Footnote: While the Owners' home was being reborn, they were blessed with the arrival of a second child. Not quite like having twins, but close!