Howard Addition & Renovation
A 325 sf modern rear addition contrasts tastefully with the home’s traditional vernacular in a kitchen expansion opening up to a new light-filled dining and living space furnished with a new back entry.
The concept for the project provides versatile functionality to live and entertain within an ever-present connection to the backyard through a new inviting, voluminous space bounded by large expanses of glass and a sloped ceiling with clerestory windows through which natural daylight pours in.
Initially engaged to provide concept design services for this project, we are excited to continue on through full design services and plan to break ground later this summer.
Having never worked with an architect before, we had no idea what to expect when we first engaged Yvonne. While we appreciate the impact that great design can have on our living space and home – we had no idea where to start.Yvonne’s concept design was the perfect way to start strategically planning, visualizing, and understanding cost estimates with contractors. After thoroughly understanding the outcomes we were trying to achieve, our aesthetic style, and the everyday challenges we faced, she quickly produced several design concepts that fit our criteria in ways we had never even imagined.
Throughout the process, we were impressed by Yvonne’s attention to detail, listening ability, and desire to collaborate. Her sense of style, interpretation of design principals, and follow-through were also key reasons why we extended our concept design into a full design project for our addition. We couldn’t be happier with the process and look forward to the finished project.
Exterior Material Palette
Interior Material Palette
Existing Conditions Photos
Design Concept & Program
The clients requested a new great room addition and open concept kitchen-dining experience. Project goals consisted of creating a design that was economical, efficient, low-maintenance, open, and modern one that is contemporary yet not too trendy or mainstream. Functionally, the space needed to effectively integrate eating, living and entertaining spaces, providing the flexibility for various activities and frequent gatherings with family and friends. The clients were also intent on creating a better connection to the backyard where their children play and they entertain.
The design concept for this modern addition replaces the prior bump-out addition and deck with a new sloped-roof great room and separate mudroom space which helps redefine the back entry and provides much-needed storage and “drop off” space. The kitchen was reconfigured to face the expanded living space, and large window walls facilitate the indoor-outdoor relationship. The result: a straight-forward, modern, voluminous light-filled, versatile space and an open kitchen with improved flow and functionality that transforms and reorients the home towards the backyard.
The material palette developed for the concept leverages contemporary, low-maintenance, and cost-effective materials, marrying modern detailing with the traditional aesthetic of the existing house and neighborhood. On the exterior, cost-effective cement board siding integrates with the existing house lap siding, while vertical wood cladding provides contrast on the new flat-roofed mudroom. The material palette for the outside acknowledges the current color scheme of the house while also anticipating future exterior improvements like new house siding and/or new paint. Inside, contemporary finishes and clean lines are employed for a simple yet modern interior design. The kitchen renovation is equipped with budget-friendly Ikea cabinetry, open shelving, Caesarstone countertops, and a back-painted glass backsplash.
Design Process
Being mindful of budget and the needs of a young family with a modern taste, our design goal was to employ a distinctly modern character to the project expressive of the clients’ tastes that utilized economical construction techniques and materials. A spectrum of design concepts explored both modern and traditional exterior aesthetics, providing the clients the latitude to decide just how modern of a design to pursue and balancing marketability for future resale value.
Ultimately, the clients decided to pursue a modern design concept with a sloped roof structure and large glass openings that incorporates some elements of the traditional house like lap siding and trim, yet deviates from the home’s vernacular with large modern window openings and new vertical wood cladding.
Finally, after reviewing initial cost estimates, the design underwent a deliberate exercise of value-engineering with the clients and contractor to find creative ways of reducing costs without sacrificing the design intent. Among the cost-saving strategies we employed were simplifying the footprint of the addition, selecting a different window manufacturer, and specifying off-the-shelf Ikea cabinets in lieu of custom cabinetry. In the end, we achieved a design that met all the important objectives for the project and that was within the client’s budget.
Project Team
Landscape Designer: Dustin Gerken Design
Structural Engineer: Legacy Engineering, Inc.
General Contractor: 1GR Builders
Related Blog Articles
Behind the Design Concept (Part I): Howard Addition & Renovation
Behind the Design (Part II): Howard Addition & Renovation
Early Concept Sketches
Existing First Floor Plan
Proposed First Floor Plan