TERRACE STEPS WITH GLASS RAILINGS

The Writer's other courtyard at dusk

Eric Laignel

The owners of this 520 square foot, three-level studio loft had a few requests for Turett's design tea,: use sustainable materials throughout; incorporate an eclectic mix of bright colors and textures; gut everything..but preserve two decorative tiles from the existing bathroom for nostalgic value. TCA drew on its experience with 'green' materials to integrate FSC-certified wood flooring and kitchen cabinets, recycled mosaic glass tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, no-VOC paint and energy efficient lighting throughout the space. One of the main challenges for TCA was separating the different programmatic areas - ktichen, living room, and sleeping loft -- in an interesting way while maximizing the sense of space in a relatively small volume. The solution was a custom designed double-height screen of movable translucent panels that creates a hybrid room divider, feature wall, shelving system and guard rail. The three levels distinguished by the system are connected by stainless steel open riser stairs with FSC-certified treads to match the flooring. Creating a setting for the preserved ceramic pieces led to the development of this apartment's one-of-a-kind hidden gem: a 5'x7' powder room wall made of 126 six-inch tiles --each one unique--organized by color gradation. This complete renovation - from the plumbing fixtures and appliances to the hardware and finishes -- is a perfect example of TCA's ability to integrate sustainable design principles with a client's individual aims.

Ashbury General Contracting & Engineering Photo by: Ryan Hughes Architect: Luke Wendler / Abbott Wendler Architects

©Herman van Heusden

Matt Bear / Union Studio

poliform; varenna cabinets

Maletz Design

Adrienne DeRosa © 2012 Houzz

Photography by Whit Preston Photography and Paul Finkel of Piston Design

Photograper - Aviad Bar Ness, architect - Lior Gutkin

photo by Scott Norsworthy

This contemporary renovation makes no concession towards differentiating the old from the new. Rather than razing the entire residence an effort was made to conserve what elements could be worked with and added space where an expanded program required it. Clad with cedar, the addition contains a master suite on the first floor and two children’s rooms and playroom on the second floor. A small vegetated roof is located adjacent to the stairwell and is visible from the upper landing. Interiors throughout the house, both in new construction and in the existing renovation, were handled with great care to ensure an experience that is cohesive. Partition walls that once differentiated living, dining, and kitchen spaces, were removed and ceiling vaults expressed. A new kitchen island both defines and complements this singular space. The parti is a modern addition to a suburban midcentury ranch house. Hence, the name “Modern with Ranch.”