The owners of this Washington, D.C. row house wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain and enjoy views of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Our design team worked closely with the clients to help them maximize the usable deck space on the roof and create the relaxing vibe they wanted. As the deck is on a historic row house, we had to work with the Historic Review Board to make sure the design met their requirements. We constructed the supports for the new deck, walls, and provided comfortable access through a structure with a full size door. Historic Review. Since the roof deck is on a house in the historic district, the city’s historic review board had to approve the design. Any roof structure could not be visible from the street. The roof pitch of the L-shaped structure at the front of the house is located along the sight lines of the building, so you can’t see it from the street. For the review, we actually framed a mock-up out of the structure and then checked if it was visible from the street. The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. Structural Review/Code. Our designer used every square foot available based on set back and historic requirements. This included creating a two-level deck with steps in between. The roof deck is actually treated as a penthouse, so it has to be set back a certain distance. Structurally, each of side party walls is a bearing wall. The structural beams are excluded as a part of the “structure” and are not included in the setback space. The horizontal setback had to equal the height of the floor above the existing structure. With a pitched roof, that ends up being at 2 levels. The step is as much zoning issue as it is an aesthetic one. HDBros

The owners of this Washington, D.C. row house wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain and enjoy views of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Our design team worked closely with the clients to help them maximize the usable deck space on the roof and create the relaxing vibe they wanted. As the deck is on a historic row house, we had to work with the Historic Review Board to make sure the design met their requirements. We constructed the supports for the new deck, walls, and provided comfortable access through a structure with a full size door. Historic Review. Since the roof deck is on a house in the historic district, the city’s historic review board had to approve the design. Any roof structure could not be visible from the street. The roof pitch of the L-shaped structure at the front of the house is located along the sight lines of the building, so you can’t see it from the street. For the review, we actually framed a mock-up out of the structure and then checked if it was visible from the street. The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. Structural Review/Code. Our designer used every square foot available based on set back and historic requirements. This included creating a two-level deck with steps in between. The roof deck is actually treated as a penthouse, so it has to be set back a certain distance. Structurally, each of side party walls is a bearing wall. The structural beams are excluded as a part of the “structure” and are not included in the setback space. The horizontal setback had to equal the height of the floor above the existing structure. With a pitched roof, that ends up being at 2 levels. The step is as much zoning issue as it is an aesthetic one. HDBros

The owners of this Washington, D.C. row house wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain and enjoy views of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Our design team worked closely with the clients to help them maximize the usable deck space on the roof and create the relaxing vibe they wanted. As the deck is on a historic row house, we had to work with the Historic Review Board to make sure the design met their requirements. We constructed the supports for the new deck, walls, and provided comfortable access through a structure with a full size door. Historic Review. Since the roof deck is on a house in the historic district, the city’s historic review board had to approve the design. Any roof structure could not be visible from the street. The roof pitch of the L-shaped structure at the front of the house is located along the sight lines of the building, so you can’t see it from the street. For the review, we actually framed a mock-up out of the structure and then checked if it was visible from the street. The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. Structural Review/Code. Our designer used every square foot available based on set back and historic requirements. This included creating a two-level deck with steps in between. The roof deck is actually treated as a penthouse, so it has to be set back a certain distance. Structurally, each of side party walls is a bearing wall. The structural beams are excluded as a part of the “structure” and are not included in the setback space. The horizontal setback had to equal the height of the floor above the existing structure. With a pitched roof, that ends up being at 2 levels. The step is as much zoning issue as it is an aesthetic one. HDBros

The owners of this Washington, D.C. row house wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain and enjoy views of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Our design team worked closely with the clients to help them maximize the usable deck space on the roof and create the relaxing vibe they wanted. As the deck is on a historic row house, we had to work with the Historic Review Board to make sure the design met their requirements. We constructed the supports for the new deck, walls, and provided comfortable access through a structure with a full size door. Historic Review. Since the roof deck is on a house in the historic district, the city’s historic review board had to approve the design. Any roof structure could not be visible from the street. The roof pitch of the L-shaped structure at the front of the house is located along the sight lines of the building, so you can’t see it from the street. For the review, we actually framed a mock-up out of the structure and then checked if it was visible from the street. The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. Structural Review/Code. Our designer used every square foot available based on set back and historic requirements. This included creating a two-level deck with steps in between. The roof deck is actually treated as a penthouse, so it has to be set back a certain distance. Structurally, each of side party walls is a bearing wall. The structural beams are excluded as a part of the “structure” and are not included in the setback space. The horizontal setback had to equal the height of the floor above the existing structure. With a pitched roof, that ends up being at 2 levels. The step is as much zoning issue as it is an aesthetic one. HDBros

Spacious walk-in pantry in U-shape provides ample storage right off the kitchen. Lots of storage & open visibility create an easy access layout. Appliances rest on ample counter top storage in the beautiful Calcutta marble laminate. Mandi B Photography

Large contemporary brown two-story mixed siding flat roof idea in Seattle

Example of a beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, paneled appliances and an island

The kitchen that opens to a small family and dining room in a Mid Century modern home built by a student of Eichler. This Eichler inspired home was completely renovated and restored to meet current structural, electrical, and energy efficiency codes as it was in serious disrepair when purchased as well as numerous and various design elements being inconsistent with the original architectural intent of the house from subsequent remodels.

The owners of this Washington, D.C. row house wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain and enjoy views of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Our design team worked closely with the clients to help them maximize the usable deck space on the roof and create the relaxing vibe they wanted. As the deck is on a historic row house, we had to work with the Historic Review Board to make sure the design met their requirements. We constructed the supports for the new deck, walls, and provided comfortable access through a structure with a full size door. Historic Review. Since the roof deck is on a house in the historic district, the city’s historic review board had to approve the design. Any roof structure could not be visible from the street. The roof pitch of the L-shaped structure at the front of the house is located along the sight lines of the building, so you can’t see it from the street. For the review, we actually framed a mock-up out of the structure and then checked if it was visible from the street. The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. HDBros

Back wall reclaimed wood planks, white washed to give a beachy feel. Cozy bench seat with shoe storage and bins small kids can reach. Sean Alzetta Photography

Charleston style spiral stair kit, 5'-1" diameter, code compliant, decorative turned balusters & posts, accessing small loft office.

Hammer & Hand and architect Mitch Snyder transformed a hot, cramped, non-code-compliant attic space into a bright and functional master suite. The existing upstairs attic space had two small and hard-to-access bedrooms and a dangerous staircase. The team added a new dormer on the west side of the house which added an additional 195 square feet to the home. The new space includes a master bedroom, master bathroom with vanity and shower, separate water closet, laundry, walk-in master closet, and option to add a small bedroom (the space is currently being used as an open office area). Additional improvements to the home include an upgraded building envelope, insulation, high efficiency water heater, and minisplit heat pump. Photos by Mitchell Snyder Architecture.

New and separate entrance added to the basement. Photo: Pete Eckert
Transitional exterior home idea in Portland

Hammer & Hand and architect Mitch Snyder transformed a hot, cramped, non-code-compliant attic space into a bright and functional master suite. The existing upstairs attic space had two small and hard-to-access bedrooms and a dangerous staircase. The team added a new dormer on the west side of the house which added an additional 195 square feet to the home. The new space includes a master bedroom, master bathroom with vanity and shower, separate water closet, laundry, walk-in master closet, and option to add a small bedroom (the space is currently being used as an open office area). Additional improvements to the home include an upgraded building envelope, insulation, high efficiency water heater, and minisplit heat pump. Photos by Mitchell Snyder Architecture.

Kris Palen
Mid-sized eclectic guest carpeted and beige floor bedroom photo in Dallas with green walls

Hammer & Hand and architect Mitch Snyder transformed a hot, cramped, non-code-compliant attic space into a bright and functional master suite. The existing upstairs attic space had two small and hard-to-access bedrooms and a dangerous staircase. The team added a new dormer on the west side of the house which added an additional 195 square feet to the home. The new space includes a master bedroom, master bathroom with vanity and shower, separate water closet, laundry, walk-in master closet, and option to add a small bedroom (the space is currently being used as an open office area). Additional improvements to the home include an upgraded building envelope, insulation, high efficiency water heater, and minisplit heat pump. Photos by Mitchell Snyder Architecture.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Hammer & Hand and architect Mitch Snyder transformed a hot, cramped, non-code-compliant attic space into a bright and functional master suite. The existing upstairs attic space had two small and hard-to-access bedrooms and a dangerous staircase. The team added a new dormer on the west side of the house which added an additional 195 square feet to the home. The new space includes a master bedroom, master bathroom with vanity and shower, separate water closet, laundry, walk-in master closet, and option to add a small bedroom (the space is currently being used as an open office area). Additional improvements to the home include an upgraded building envelope, insulation, high efficiency water heater, and minisplit heat pump. Photos by Mitchell Snyder Architecture.

Hammer & Hand and architect Mitch Snyder transformed a hot, cramped, non-code-compliant attic space into a bright and functional master suite. The existing upstairs attic space had two small and hard-to-access bedrooms and a dangerous staircase. The team added a new dormer on the west side of the house which added an additional 195 square feet to the home. The new space includes a master bedroom, master bathroom with vanity and shower, separate water closet, laundry, walk-in master closet, and option to add a small bedroom (the space is currently being used as an open office area). Additional improvements to the home include an upgraded building envelope, insulation, high efficiency water heater, and minisplit heat pump. Photos by Mitchell Snyder Architecture.