This is a trend which I'm sure we will see more and more of as parents of adult children leave the work force, wind down their retirements, and begin to need additional care. It is economically advantageous for families, and sees a return to the extended-family living at home, which has many other sociological advantages.
While the togetherness of the family is a nice concept, it was important to the clients that they be able to maintain independence and autonomy to whatever extent is desired. Toward these ends, a kitchenette will be installed in the sitting room, and the suite's climate control will be on its own mini-split system.
The sitting room will have a new bay window to bring more light into the room and provide visual connectivity to the out-of-doors. A high, near-clerestory window will illuminate the accessible bathroom.
Below are images of the existing house and a quick sketchup model we developed to show the clients how the project will look in three dimensions. In most cases, we try to add to a house so it looks as though the addition were part of the original design by using the same materials and positioning the elements and paying attention to details in such a way that it grows organically from the original structure. Approaching even the smallest of projects with a design methodology is one of the many ways Drumheller Design Studios brings Architecture with a capital 'A' to the table to add value for our clients.
Builder Jeff Spang of Portrait Homes Northwest was awarded the contract and the building permit should clear the building department next week. This blog intends to follow the course of construction. You can check out Jeff's work at www.portraithomesnorthwest.com
