This is the 2nd in a series of projects for this active family. A previous renovation updated the 2nd and 3rd floors. This time, the mandate was to tackle the ground floor and basement, both of which required significant reimagining.
There were many challenges: we were dealing with an old addition, lots of structural walls, varying ceiling heights, a large masonry fireplace, and a renovated second floor that had to stay intact. The client wanted to have great connectivity and a sense of openness, whilst maintaining a distinction between the living spaces.
On the main floor, a partition wall, complete with fireplace, divides the spacious family room from the kitchen and dining room. A home office nook built beside the kitchen cabinetry was added – perfect for adults and children alike. The large floor-to-ceiling windows in the kitchen provide connectivity to the outdoors, flooding the space with ample light.
The exterior of the home went through a dramatic transformation. Originally there was an enclosed front porch with a reverse slope driveway. The enclosed porch was removed to create a smaller, yet better appointed front entrance, complete with storage for the whole family and the 2nd floor bay window was extended down to the ground floor to provide extra light and interest. The reverse slope was filled in and an entrance direct to the basement mudroom (and bike shower!) was added.
This house is modern, bright, and efficiently planned to suit all the requirements of a growing family, now and well into the future.
2023 update: After switching to an Air Source Heat Pump, electric hot water heater and adding solar panels, this house has dropped from a predicted 11.9 to 0.4 tCO2e annually! That’s a 97% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while also creating a brighter, more comfortable and resilient home.
Green Features
- Building envelope well insulated
- Large windows provide ample light
- Air Source Heat Pump/ Electric water heater
- Solar Panels
