Story

The purpose of this Project was to add a new Master Suite onto an existing bungalow style residence. The Owner’s original intent was to increase the size of the existing second floor dormer to accommodate the new Master Suite on the second level. This strategy presented structural challenges as well as other potential issues and missed opportunities the Owner had not considered. After determining the Owner’s long term plans to remain in the house past retirement, it was suggested the Master Suite addition should be placed on the first floor to fill in the space between an existing detached garage off the back alley and the rear of the existing residence. This design option would negate the structural issues involved with adding a story above a bungalow and mitigate vertical mobility issues that can be associated with aging. The placement of the addition also served to create a courtyard effect in the rear of the property as well as providing a covered walkway element connecting the detached garage to the existing kitchen. The Master Suite addition consisted of a sizeable Master Bedroom, Master Bath, large walk-in closet, and a main level laundry facility accessed by a new gallery hall. The porch provided continuously along the length of the addition not only allows for covered access between the residence and garage, but it also serves as a seating space off the kitchen nook and master bedroom to enjoy the outdoor courtyard protected from rain and sun. Materials were chosen to give the feeling the “addition” was original to the residence. Skylights in the porch roof along with french doors running the full length of the structure provide vast amounts of natural daylight into the suite. "In addition to our own satisfaction with the project, we have had numerous people in the neighborhood stop by to express their admiration and ask who designed it. I am also pleased about the personal relationship we developed as the project progressed. I always enjoyed our conversations and visits and look forward to continuing our friendship in the future. Thanks for a job well done." Donald C. (Homeowner)