Cuttysark Road- Interior
This 1000 SF ranch home built in 1967 was in need of an extreme makeover when we first arrived to meet with the owner who used it as a rental property but was now preparing to retire here.
The walls were uninsulated 2x4 framing with low plate heights. Above were exposed 4x6 rafters at 4' on center with dark board sheathing defining the cathedral ceiling that extended the lenght of the house. The T-111 plywood siding had served its purpose but was at the end of its useful life. The home had a distinctive "campy" feeling to it but the lack of insulation, dark ceilings, and extremely small rooms throughout made it uncomfortable and impractical as a year round residence.
Our plan involved gutting the interior and exterior to expose structural framing and sheathing. The site was located in a Wind Exposure C zone requiring that the existing structural frame be reinforced to comply with more stringent code requirements to resist shear and uplift. The re-engineered wood structure needed to be anchored to new footings with portions of the existing CMU foundation receiving new footings with steel reinforcing and hold-downs bolted to the wall framing.
A major design requirement was to create a well-defined and welcoming front entry. Our solution was to add an 8'x10' entry vestibule with a large closet and covered front doorway. This simple, but tasteful architectural element provides the much needed curb appeal to this otherwise understated ranch style home.
The reconstructed home has an open and airy feeling to it with the living, dining and kitchen areas sharing a common, cathedral space. Double hung windows, transoms and skylights fill the room with natural light while extending the views beyond the exterior walls giving the perception of a larger space.
A master suite was created with a walk-in closet and a comfortable sized bathroom. A separate study/TV room was provided and converts to a guest room with the help of two murphy beds. Opposite this room is the guest bathroom with a laundry closet concealed behind bi-fold doors.
The home was designed so that the owner could age-in place. All doors are 3' wide to accommodate a wheelchair, if needed. The master shower has a very low threshold for easy access. The kitchen and hall are designed for accessible maneuverability. The front and side entries can be easily modified to accommodate a ramp, if necessary.
Both open and closed cell spray foam were used to air seal and insulate the underside of the floor framing, the exterior walls and the roof. An air handler in the attic provides ducted heating and cooling. A gas-fired Navian instant hot water heater provides hot water for both the hydro-air system and a small strip of hydronic baseboard heating. It also provides all the domestic hot water. With no alternative energy sources included, at this time, this house earned a HERS rating of 59 and received a 5 Star+ Home Energy Rating by a certified RESNET HERS Rater.
The walls were uninsulated 2x4 framing with low plate heights. Above were exposed 4x6 rafters at 4' on center with dark board sheathing defining the cathedral ceiling that extended the lenght of the house. The T-111 plywood siding had served its purpose but was at the end of its useful life. The home had a distinctive "campy" feeling to it but the lack of insulation, dark ceilings, and extremely small rooms throughout made it uncomfortable and impractical as a year round residence.
Our plan involved gutting the interior and exterior to expose structural framing and sheathing. The site was located in a Wind Exposure C zone requiring that the existing structural frame be reinforced to comply with more stringent code requirements to resist shear and uplift. The re-engineered wood structure needed to be anchored to new footings with portions of the existing CMU foundation receiving new footings with steel reinforcing and hold-downs bolted to the wall framing.
A major design requirement was to create a well-defined and welcoming front entry. Our solution was to add an 8'x10' entry vestibule with a large closet and covered front doorway. This simple, but tasteful architectural element provides the much needed curb appeal to this otherwise understated ranch style home.
The reconstructed home has an open and airy feeling to it with the living, dining and kitchen areas sharing a common, cathedral space. Double hung windows, transoms and skylights fill the room with natural light while extending the views beyond the exterior walls giving the perception of a larger space.
A master suite was created with a walk-in closet and a comfortable sized bathroom. A separate study/TV room was provided and converts to a guest room with the help of two murphy beds. Opposite this room is the guest bathroom with a laundry closet concealed behind bi-fold doors.
The home was designed so that the owner could age-in place. All doors are 3' wide to accommodate a wheelchair, if needed. The master shower has a very low threshold for easy access. The kitchen and hall are designed for accessible maneuverability. The front and side entries can be easily modified to accommodate a ramp, if necessary.
Both open and closed cell spray foam were used to air seal and insulate the underside of the floor framing, the exterior walls and the roof. An air handler in the attic provides ducted heating and cooling. A gas-fired Navian instant hot water heater provides hot water for both the hydro-air system and a small strip of hydronic baseboard heating. It also provides all the domestic hot water. With no alternative energy sources included, at this time, this house earned a HERS rating of 59 and received a 5 Star+ Home Energy Rating by a certified RESNET HERS Rater.
Country: United States
Zip Code: 02536
