This project extracts from the remnants of an outdated, 990 square foot 1950 Better Homes and Garden stock home an open and contemporary solution, responsive to its site, environment, and time. All the existing exterior walls of the previous t-shaped house were retained, and a simple linear second-story addition was designed parallel to the north property line along an east-west axis to optimize access to the southern exposure. A second-story outdoor living space was provided above the portion of the existing footprint that projects south from the main axis. In addition to providing additional, private exterior space this area is connected via south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light to the adjacent central stair. This central stair is bordered by a wall of louvered grating that subsequently filters and redirects this light throughout the open-plan first floor. The access to natural light on the first floor is further enhanced by the strategic expansion of and addition to the previous home’s existing openings, providing a visual connection between the indoors and outdoors. An oversized stacking sliding door also contributes to this connection, the overhang of the second floor and its louvered canopy supplementing the visual with a physical transition.
Designing this project with an intent to minimize waste and maximize reuse, we were able to create a completely modern home without the impact or costs of disregarding what exists.
