christopherstrom.com
Chris Strom, AIA; John Bergford, AIA; Brett Biwer, Assoc. AIA
Pondside
Project Type: Remodel
Sponsors: Otto Painting Design (Wall Finishes), Ruth Johnson Interiors (Interior Design), Western Systems (AV)
After living in this home for 44 years, the owners had built lasting relationships with their neighbors and fallen in love with the adjacent pond. The homeowners, now in retirement, want to stay in their home as long as possible. This addition/remodel helps them do so by providing them with one-level living.
The 1980 floorplan was dated, lacking a sufficient, open kitchen, a mudroom, or a pantry. While the beautiful location overlooks a pond, the limited windows kept the space closed off. The kitchen was tucked in the rear of the home, not given views to the living, dining, or backyard.
To solve this, the architects added a 14’ foot addition to the west. This unlocked key elements: the kitchen could expand to occupy the full width of the space, and the dining could slide to its logical location between the living room and kitchen. There was also room for a mudroom, pantry, and small office.
By increasing the natural light, connection to nature, and ability to age in place, this home was designed with well-being and connection to nature in mind. The architects added four large, 5’ wide by 6’ tall windows to the living room which provide stunning views of the large willow tree, pond, and park beyond. In the kitchen, instead of a backsplash, a 12-foot-long, two-foot-high window was added to bring ambient north light into the cooking area.
The basement addition was created with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). ICF creates an airtight, energy-efficient, and soundproof basement. ICF creates a tight building envelope, which reduces the reliance on heating and cooling systems, ultimately resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
This project demonstrates what is possible for existing, dated homes. By adding a small addition, opening a floor plan, and expanding the views to the backyard, this home has been transformed.
Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Well-Being
By increasing the natural light, connection to nature, and ability to age in place, this home was designed with Well-being in mind.
Age-In-Place: The homeowners, now in retirement, want to stay in their home as long as possible. This addition/remodel helps them do so by providing them with one-level living.
Connection with Community: The homeowners have lived in their neighborhood for over 40 years. By renovating instead of moving, they can stay active in their neighborhood community. Additionally, the updates to their exterior entry create a more welcoming home, encouraging visitors.
Connection with Nature: By adding many windows and a deck/patio, the home is more connected with the pond, willow, and park beyond.
Daylighting: Thanks to the addition of 10+ windows, including a skylight in the pantry, the home is filled with much more natural light. The open floor plan lets light in on all sides.
Southern Sun: The many large windows that face the backyard are south-facing, bringing warmth into the house on cold winter days, which limits the heating required.
Thermal Comfort: The basement addition was created with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). ICF creates an airtight, energy-efficient, and sound- proof basement. ICF creates a tight building envelope, which reduces the reliance on heating and cooling systems, ultimately resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the AIA Framework for Design Excellence? Learn more »