Urban Order

To make the first floor feel more open, we left the original floor joists exposed and painted them white. They provide historic texture and complement the smooth painted trim and stained wood floor. The basic footprint of the house remained the same. We kept most of the original foundation but expanded ceiling heights from 7'-10" on the old first floor to 9'-0" on the new first and second floors. To create the new kitchen, a bathroom, pantry and basement stair were relocated so the entry could be centered on the dining room.

The house is a modern version of an arts-and-crafts inspired home, complete with inset front porch, paneled gable ends, dormers, simple box brackets and paneled overhangs. To flood the interior with light, we used oversized casement windows. The casement's slim frame maximizes the amount of glass in each sash and provides full ventilation when opened. The basic footprint of the house remained the same. We kept most of the original foundation but expanded ceiling heights from 7'-10" on the old first floor to 9'-0" on the new first and second floors.

We did several design studies to determine the best layout with the most architectural interest. The courtyards were inspired by homes in Italy and Spain where a central garden provides sunlight, fresh air and privacy. The variety of spaces within each condo make it more livable. To make the first floor feel more open, we left the original floor joists exposed and painted them white. They provide historic texture and complement the smooth painted trim and stained wood floor. The basic footprint of the house remained the same.