ejhansen.com

Eric J. Hansen, AIA; Jay Boyle

Sherwood Forest

Project Type: Remodel & Addition

Sponsors: Pella Windows & Doors (Windows)

This 1954 midcentury modern home was originally designed and built by R.A. Norsen 70 years ago, who helped to pioneer the concept of “non-confined living for a confining climate.” The home is set on its original 1953 poured concrete floating slab foundation, which created challenges for additions, and is nestled into a deep lot connected to nature and a mature neighborhood. 

In this remodel, all of the mechanical equipment was moved to the vaulted attic space, allowing the main floor space originally occupied by mechanicals to become a three-quarter powder bath with a curb-less shower. The original single bath was reconfigured to be accessible from the primary bedroom. The salvaged original mahogany boards and trim are reused in the new sunroom and mudroom spaces, while new white oak cabinets and trim are used throughout the space.

To insulate and create a vapor barrier over the floating concrete slab, the architect selected Warmboard, which uses thin aluminum-covered wood panels that hold hot water tubing over a new rigid insulation system. Insulation and metal roofing were chosen for their durability and to create an energy-efficient, healthy space for the homeowners.

New rough sawn cedar siding with thick varying vertical battens stained the color of the tree bark in the surrounding setting helps the project maintain its connection to nature. Longer overhangs and eaves block out hot summer sun, creating shade while still allowing the sun to enter the house during the colder months.

The landscaping and gravel driveway are designed to respond to the ecosystem, with a no-mow yard and water collection on site. The goal is to limit yard work and let nature do the work around the exterior of the house.

With all the main features of the home on one level, the materials selection geared toward extended high performance, and the landscaping selected for minimal maintenance, the house should last a lifetime for the homeowners, allowing them to age in place in their neighborhood.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Integration

This historic 1954 house was on the market for ten minutes last July. Eight cash buyers wanted the property, but the now-owner clearly stated they wanted to renovate the house and not tear it down, so they got the house. The house is considered small at 1,600 square feet but located in a mature neighborhood from the 1950s with long, deep lots that have a strong connection to nature and a sun dial.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Ecosystems & Water

The architect and client are looking at a new gravel driveway (removing the bituminous and concrete existing driveway) and no grass to mow and water. They are designing to collect water on site and add in natural restoration of the land to continue to promote wildlife in the area. So far, deer and turkeys have been observed wandering through the property. All new plantings will come up at different times of the year and any new trees and plants will be native to Minnesota. The landscape design goal is to eliminate yardwork and let nature take over naturally to the house.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Economy & Energy

The architect removed the hot tar and gravel roof that was added from the 1970s during the first energy crises and put on a new standing metal roof that will last for another 70 years or longer. The existing wall and roof framing along with the existing concrete floating slab system were retained. The architect enhanced the existing roof to have longer overhangs on the eaves (gable ends) to block out hot summer sun, shade the structure, and allow the sun angle to enter the house in the colder months. A 3/4” rigid insulation system over the top of the existing concrete slab along with a 7/8” WarmBoard hot water heating system over the entire house were added. The architect also incorporated a HV High Velocity high-efficiency heat pump system for cooling and additional heating needs (it can heating down down to 16 degrees if needed).

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Well-Being

The architect sourced local white oak engineered wood flooring for the home along with locally milled white oak for the millwork. They also salvaged all the existing interior mahogany window trim to reuse in our new sunroom and mudroom spaces we added. Original interior butternut wall paneling was also reused in the entry and dining/living room walls. The new WarmBoard hot water heating system will allow greater comfort and a lower energy consumption for the owners.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Resources, Change & Discovery

All materials selected were looked at for maximum life span. Siding materials are rough sawn cedar and pre-finished on all sides before installation (also the color was based on the natural color of the adjacent tree bark on the property) to extend life span, and the windows are clad metal that will never have to be painted. The roof system is locally produced standing seam metal. Throughout the design and construction process, the architect and owner have partnered with many local and independent, self-employed, small subcontractors.

This 1,600-square-foot home demonstrates that bigger is not always better. Smaller, crafted spaces creates a calming and relaxed feeling. Since everything is on one level, the homeowners will also be able to age in place. This 1954 home has been an emotional discovery and connection with the neighbors. The owners and people working on the house have really appreciated that saving this home.

What is the AIA Framework for Design Excellence? Learn more »

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