Combining Households

Rather than renovating their own home, this couple decided to remodel and move into the mother's home to keep her in a familiar setting and create a multi-generational home under one roof. Careful consideration was given to the design of the exterior of the home so that the second floor addition blended with the original home creating a unified façade. In addition, a portico was installed over the front entry, giving a more formal appearance and offering shelter from the elements. It was necessary to design a single-floor living space for the aging parent who had recently broken a hip. The entire first floor layout was renovated with the focus on ease of mobility while maintaining a coherent, balanced design throughout the house. To allow for a “no-step” main level, the existing sunken family room floor was raised to bring it flush with the adjacent kitchen floor then converted into a spacious dining room. A new great room was constructed which boasts a beautiful corner wood burning stove. This addition created a comfortable and accessible place to relax, at the same time offering a space for larger family gatherings.