REUSE AND CONSERVE:
Using green building design, an aging mid-century tract home underwent a ‘down to the bones’ renovation and addition at a cost of construction one third that of the average cost per square foot of the region;conforming to a tight budget being the primary goal of the project. This called for a sustainable reconstruction that minimizes demolition of the existing structure, conserves energy, cost and resources by reusing and integrating ‘old’ house parts to rebuild a simple, safe and modern ‘new’ house.
RESTRUCTURE AND RECONFIGURE:
The design challenge was to spatially reorganize the existing floor plan of dysfunctional spaces and make it work efficiently and seamlessly with the addition. The garage was retained and cost intensive spaces such as the kitchen and bathrooms were placed close to their original location to reuse utilities. Several rooms present multiple readings and flexibility of usage for a growing family of five.
INNOVATIVE RECONSTRUCTION:
1706 square feet of reconstruction incorporates existing foundations, floor, roof, wall and window framing with seismically retrofitted, reinsulated and reconfigured new spaces. New plumbing and electrical,a water efficient pump with on demand water heaters, low flow plumbing and energy efficient lighting fixtures, insulated windows and doors, energy star equipment, durable, low maintainence interior and exterior finishes integrate 780 square feet of similar all new construction.
DAYLIGHT, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN:
Another goal was to bring in daylight into the cramped and dark interior. The new tall vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows, mechanically operable skylights, solar tubes in small spaces and large double pane casement windows flood the entire house with daylight even on an overcast day. Strategically placed operable windows and a reused forced air whole house fan facilitate mixed mode ventilation, eliminating the need for an air conditioner even though summer temperatures can peak over 90F. A radiant barrier insulates the attic so the house performs just as well with passive design strategies for an overall energy efficiency of 9.2% above title 24.
SUSTAINING CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER:
The addition balances and blends with the ‘old’ built mass, retaining the local vernacular fabric of the period while using natural and durable building materials. The architectural character with simplistic craftsman style elements is replicated in the addition, consistent with the neighborhood context and its own historic past. The interior however, is all new, crisp and modern with clean lines and a spatially refreshing aura.
AFFORDABLE GREEN REMODEL:
Several cost effective and smart strategies saved the client over $100,000 while incorporating the old but healthy structure without having to ‘deconstruct’ or bring in ‘new’ reclaimed materials, which in this case would have increased the project cost. Even though green certifications are not within the reach of many home owners, conservative approaches can produce successful and cost effective upgraded habitable spaces. This project uses organic, low-cost and sustainable building practices without being compelled to invest in and subscribe to products and methods prescribed in established green certification processes.
The greenest home remodel is one that keeps as much ‘house’ as possible!
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RECONSTRUCTED HOUSE: Remodel balances the existing massing and rebuilds in the regional vernacular language.
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BEFORE RECONSTRUCTION: The cupola over the garage roof and craftsman style elements such as outriggers were retained and replicated in the addition.
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NEW FAMILY ROOM: Reconfigured floor plan integrates kitchen, living, dining and entryway for one large family and entertaining space.
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RECONFIGURED LIVING ROOM: Innovative roof structure incorporates 'old' roof and wall framing. Clerestorey at gable ends and large openings bring in diffused north light.
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LIVING ROOM 'BEFORE'(during selective demolish): Isolated kitchen, cramped dining and living room with low ceilings.
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Great job! This definitely deserves the award! The brilliance of the architectural design is unmatched by any other I have seen.
Eco-friendly and cost-effective.... Well-done!