Homeowners who wanted to stay living in a prime neighborhood needed space for their growing family. The solution? Repurpose the basement suite and turn it in to the main living-area. Keeping the bedrooms, office and bathroom on the upper floor allowed the basement to become the hub of the home. A sunken patio off the kitchen and dining area gives extra visual square footage and provides indoor and outdoor living. The floor grade was lowered to gain more headroom, made possible by the engineering team. They designed an interior drainage system for the perimeter drainage to allow for a completely dry basement, even in the wettest season.
Industrial style elements, the aesthetics the homeowners were after, carry throughout the home. Steel beams and columns that patina over time were introduced allowing for an open concept floor plan. Concrete floors were poured and exposed joists and plumbing make up the remaining industrial fundamentals. Wood/metal clad windows and doors are not only highly efficient that ensure low solar heat gains and thermal protection, but they bring in the warmth of natural light. The kitchen was kept simple with an all white perimeter opposite an oversized butcher block island – the focal piece of the kitchen. The open concept plan creates ease of flow from living room to dining room and central kitchen, with the bathroom tucked away for privacy. All action happens below deck and calm and tranquility remain on the upper floor, a perfect set up for an active family.
D'Arcy Jones Architects