Modern Farmhouse with Open Floorplan West Chester, PA

Removing the kitchen walls required a structural alternative to the existing load-bearing ridge beam. Installation of eight 4x8 Douglas Fir rafter ties solved the problem and provided an aesthetic windfall. The new rafter ties also provided mounting surface for the extensive LED Up and Down lighting. We designed a large floating soffit to anchor the kitchen without walls. Suspended from the rafter ties above the island, the soffit also provides a surface to mount unique LED task lighting in this otherwise high-ceilinged space.