PROJECT NAME: 70's Contemporary Cape Addition

PROJECT TYPE: Renovation and Addition to Single Family Residence

PROJECT CONTEXT:  The existing house was designed and built in the 1960’s by the owner on a secluded lot off a small subdivision. Over the years the owner has shaped the landscaping and kept the mature tree line close to the house. The design needed to work within the existing tree line while opening to light and private views.

PROJECT LOCATION: Guilford, CT

PROJECT COMPLETION:  Fall 2008

PROJECT PROGRAM:  Our client wished to give a more open and airy feel to the existing deck style ranch. She envisioned a new kitchen wing with cathedral ceiling and views to the outbuildings and garden beyond. A screened porch off the kitchen was conceived to allow for more use of the cool summer nights and the private wooded land to the northeast of the house. She wished for a gracious foyer with ample storage and room for a gallery space to display books and artwork. A modernizing of the master bath was included in the scope.

DESIGN SOLUTION:  We placed the kitchen wing and porch off of the west side of the main volume of the house. This opened the kitchen to eastern and southern light and created a courtyard space between the main house, wing and the existing detached garage. The kitchen picked up on the existing classic ranch styling with a pine ceiling and high collar ties, but was brightened by lighter wall, counter, and backsplash materials. Simple European style full overlay cabinets in a dark stain finish feel appropriate to the simple contemporary style of the existing house while adding a warm rich feeling. The upper cabinets and continuous soffit are painted a light color to further lighten the mood. In the center of the house in place of the original kitchen we positioned a new front door and entry porch. This entered into a foyer with 2 large flanking closets and a gallery hall. A pantry is tucked off the kitchen in the remaining space. The master bathroom was also renovated with clean tile and an integral shower and vanity to maximize the usability of the small bath.

MATERIALS:  We utilized the same cedar board and batten siding to repair the existing siding as needed and shifted to a wood grain cement panel siding and cellular PVC battens in the new area to reduce maintenance. We used fiberglass clad wood windows and doors for the new openings. The porch decking is Ipe and the fixed screen panels constructed in cellular PVC. Inside the pine ceilings and oak flooring are continued from the main house. Painted trim, wall and cabinet finishes are introduced to brighten the rooms in some areas.