Project Five: Invigorating An Inadequate Addition
Client: Dr. Richard and Julie Einhorn, Gloucester, MA
Listen
First priority of the clients was to have a garage so the doctor’s car was ready to go at a moments notice. The previous awkward addition was unflattering to the original structure, and restricted future improvements. The owners wanted to clean this up with a new aesthetically pleasing addition.
Visualize
Bruce studied the neighborhood to help inform a style that would best fit and serve the purposes requested of the client. We decided on a gambrel form because it allows enough kitchen level space to incorporate the functional areas the client desired, while not overpowering the main structure. A mudroom, pantry, and laundry filled out the rest of the space, while the original dining nook received an enlightened face lift. The final design incorporated an exterior hot tub carved into the gambrel roofline that provided complete privacy from the neighbors.
Build
There were several challenges marrying the construction of the new to the existing. First, sizing the floor structure to support the weight of a hot tub filled with water (remember, the hot tub was not on the ground floor). Second, trying to maintain garage ceiling height to accommodate the garage door system. Third, to match the finish floor levels as closely as possible, which in turn helps the tucking in of the stairs to the garage. In the end, one step was required, but it actually created a nice transition between spaces. It all worked out well!
“We are so pleased with the addition you designed for us. You listened to everything we said we wanted and managed to fit it all (mudroom, pantry, laundry room etc.) into a very small space. The garage looks beautiful and fits in well with the rest of our house and our neighborhood. Prospective clients can certainly call us for a reference. ”
The invigoration in action:
