Timberline Transformation
A dated ranch house adopts energy-efficient upgrades, building-science strategies, and an open floor plan.
![Readers' Choice BEFORE](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2019/04/09110723/BEFORE2.jpg)
This home started life as a 1960s ranch that offered beautiful views of Mt. Hood—but not much else. The new owners’ dream was to renovate the home, combining durable materials in creative ways to achieve a finely crafted, low-maintenance house in which they could retire. Their goals included integrating an open floor plan, enhancing outdoor connections, creating bright interiors with plenty of daylight, and using energy-efficient systems. eMZed Architecture and Kropf Construction West worked with the owners to carry out this complete transformation.
![before home](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2019/04/09114141/Before-East-700x394.jpg)
![after home](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2019/04/09114132/After-East2-700x394.jpg)
The majority of the existing foundation was retained, including the daylit basement, though interior walls were relocated and spaces repurposed. The entry and stairway were moved and a large central fireplace was removed. The east end of the living area was extended by 10 ft. and the master wing grew by 7 ft. in order to include a shower room, which connects to the yard. The majority of the roof was removed and re-framed to replace the 8-ft. ceilings with vaulted interiors lit by a continuous line of clerestory windows. A new deck capitalizes on views of Mt. Hood and the patio to the south accesses the yard. For added visual interest, the entry roof flares up and features a cantilevered canopy below to shelter the porch.
Before
After![floor plan](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2019/04/29151143/Readers-Choice.png)
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Lovely and light-filled. Finely crafted cabinetry, casework, masonry, and tile create a modern yet comfortable feel throughout the home.
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Before and after dining room and kitchen.
A high-efficiency heat-pump HVAC system helps reduce energy use while providing greater thermal comfort. Exterior insulation was added along with a 3⁄4-in. rainscreen cavity and fiber-cement siding. The new roofs are double-layered, consisting of 2×12 rafters fully insulated with dense-pack cellulose, sheathing (the air barrier), and 2×6 rafters above insulated with 3-1⁄2 in. of Rockwool mineral wool insulation and topped with 2 in. of ventilation space. The existing basement exterior walls were retrofitted with 1-1⁄2 in. of rigid foam plus 3-1⁄2 in. of dense-pack cellulose in the interior, while the floor received 2 in. of rigid foam between the slab and the subfloor. Once complete, the project achieved Earth Advantage Institute’s Platinum rating.
Maureen Friedman is Fine Homebuilding’s administrative assistant.
Photos by Eckert & Eckert.
Photography courtesy of eMZed Architecture.
Before photo courtesy of eMZed Architecture.
Before/after floor-plan drawings by Patrick Welsh.
View Comments
Very Beautiful Design!
Outstanding design