The 1,140 sq ft cottage on the river was built in 1946 with low ceilings and limited glass openings on the river side. Over the years (due to the snowfall in the mountainous area) a higher pitched roof was built over the top of the existing roof. In order to provide a more spacious feeling throughout (without adding onto the square footage of the home) we were able to structurally remove the original roof and implement structurally engineered modifications to raise the 7 ft tall ceilings to nearly 13 ft. What was once a cramped, compartmentalized space was transformed into a great room concept that soaked in the river views with a new 4 panel sliding glass door. The knotty wood paneling from the original home was used throughout the new space, bringing in the past history into the following design features: entry bench area for hanging coats, behind the TV and in the new office space. A daybed with the same paneling was added in the office space providing guest accommodations when needed. New wood walnut shelving and counter-tops were added in the kitchen and also in the dining room banquet seating area further providing continuity between the spaces. A wood burning stove provides the cozy feel of a cabin retreat while the new HVAC system provides the heating and cooling features to support 21st century living. All new electrical and plumbing were added along with updates to both the master bathroom and guest bathrooms. The existing deck and small patio cover were replaced with an expanded deck/stairs and an outdoor patio structure attached to the home with a metal roof and knotty pine wood elements. What was once an outdated river cabin has transformed into a 21st century river-front retreat.