Our client wanted to add a master bedroom suite to his existing house. In addition, we were to fix several problem areas of the existing house. The laundry room was in the ½-bath, and the windows leaked air and water. He also had a tight budget.

The existing residence was designed by Herb Fowler in the late 1950’s.  Its form was typical ranch house from that era. Materials were inexpensive and showing signs of decay. The roof was decaying tar and gravel on top of three layers of asphalt shingles.

The site was beautiful, in town and situated with a large wooded ravine to the west, offering the illusion of being in the woods, especially in the summer. Our client prefers to live and entertain outside when possible, and wished to have a variety of exterior spaces, each with a relationship to the adjacent indoor spaces. He also wanted to preserve a large maple tree near the north end of the existing house, where the master suite would be located. 

The location of the tree, and the internal circulation of the existing house, generated a form for the planned addition which included lengthening the existing hallway. To break up the perceived length, we opened up the bedroom end with a breezeway, allowing access to the east and west decks.

The bedroom itself opens out to the west and “the tree” via large doors.

Exterior spaces on the west side are designed to provide views down into the wooded area and a “treehouse” feeling, as well as circulation from the elevated floor level to the ground.  Working around “the tree” offered opportunity to create several gathering areas, linked by narrower passages. Stainless steel aircraft cable in the deck guardrails offers a nearly unobstructed view of the wooded ravine. On the east, street side, the exterior spaces are close to grade, and enclosed for privacy, and have a more urban character.

The exterior was an opportunity for material study. The juxtaposition of the vertically ribbed corrugated steel with the strong horizontal of the cedar helps to break up the length of the overall structure. The cedar imparts a permanent “natural” feel, while the appearance of the galvanized steel reflects the changing conditions around it, going from green to grey to floral, depending on the light and the season.

The master bathroom is spacious and luxurious. The lavatories are integrated into a single concrete slab, supported by steel struts. Cabinets hang from the slab and the wall. The tub opens to the screened porch.

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