The clients wanted a larger space that took advantage off the territorial views and better connected to their large vegetable garden and active chicken coup.
After living in their midcentury home for over a decade, the homeowners, both working professionals and avid gardeners, approached SHED Architecture & Design in 2014 to help reimagine a home that better aligned with their lifestyle.
The budget-driven project was built utilizing as much of the existing structure as possible. The existing foundation and front stoop were reused, as was the main floor stud framing. The use a small number of simple materials helped reduce costs and allowed resources to be allocated to the new roof deck with 360-degree territorial views.
On the main floor, SHED was able to boost the ceiling height defined by the original 8-foot walls by using exposed LVL framing for the new second floor exposed. This strategy made the ceilings appear higher and adds warmth to the space. Inserting a table in the center of the new farm-style kitchen, reduced the need for a dining room, leaving space for the homeowners’ piano, drum set and wood burning fireplace in the large, open living space. Large sliding doors connecting the kitchen to the new back porch and gardens created a sense of openness and continuity throughout the site. The kitchen also connects directly to the front yard vegetable garden via a side door and through a new covered outdoor workstation, featuring a vegetable-washing zone, tool hooks and a large utility closet. These features made for seamless transitions from outside to inside.
The stair to the upper floor and roof features large sliding windows facing north and south, which bring light into the center of the house and create passive ventilation to move air throughout the home. The second floor layout is dedicated to a master suite, two bedrooms, guest bath and laundry.
