Case Study: Addition

This addition and renovation adds a third floor master suite and sitting area to a charming home. The large rustic bedroom features cathedral ceilings with exposed reclaimed beams and beaded panel, wainscoting and recycled wide plank pine floors.

The light-filled bathroom features a walk-in shower and antique clawfoot tub. Paneling and built-in shelving flank the double sided fireplace. French double doors are repeated in the design; once to connect the bedroom and sitting spaces, and again to open the room to a new balcony that overlooks a wooded back yard.

The sitting area expanded the existing attic space, added new floor area and ceiling height, and provided closets and storage. Natural cedar shingles and a metal railing finish the exterior.

Project Scope and Retail Price

Creation of a 650-square-foot 3rd floor addition to the home
A new private master suite including bath and sitting area
Expansion and completion of the existing attic, including adding adequate storage
Transition from existing structure to the new addition
Balcony overlooking the forested rear yard
Use of reclaimed fir ceiling beams, wide plank pine flooring, barn doors, and claw foot bath tub
Customer desired rustic yet warm ambience for the space

Project Challenges and Creative Solutions

Challenge

Limited storage space in existing master suite/limited room in new attic

Solution

Add walk-in/walk-through dressing area for sitting room connection to master bedroom

Challenge

Partially finished attic very cramped, not well utilized

Solution

Build shed dormer and raise ceiling in rear of attic to provide comfortable master sitting area

Challenge

Limited width of existing structural footprint

Solution

Design minimized hallway space to maximize living and storage space

Challenge

Limited space for HVAC equipment and duct work

Solution

Low profile, side-mounted air handler with micro-ducts used to access tight spaces

Challenge

Relocation of plumbing and use of reclaimed antique bathtub

Solution

New bulkheads added throughout the house to run plumbing to/from the basement.

Challenge

Structurally accommodate exposed ceiling beam design

Solution

Structural LVL ridge allowed for open ceiling with upgraded point load bearing all the way to basement

Challenge

Visually blend new cedar shingles on the 3rd story exterior with existing plank siding

Solution

Cut out existing lap siding around 2nd floor window and bring cedar shingle panel down to align with window panel above

Overall Project Results

The final outcome was the creation of a private master suite sanctuary for the homeowners with a spacious open floor plan and privacy from the main home that they desired.

Double-sided fireplace creates warmth and separates sleeping and bathroom areas
Vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, and exposed rustic beams and other materials give feeling of spaciousness and warmth
French doors with transom window flood the suite with light from the southern exposure
State-of-the art bath/spa appointments
Closets built into sides of hallway with additional depth to create walk-in closets as well as additional storage
Lighting was upgraded from the single overhead fixture to ample task and decorative lighting