Priorities
Better integrate the upper and lower levels of this 1980s split-level home; improve the flow from the front entry to the living spaces; update the exterior facade
Solutions
The architects opened up the stairs to create a two-story foyer they call a “circulation armature,” which unifies the space vertically and creates horizontal connections between the levels.
The homeowners now have a smooth transition from the foyer via a half-flight of stairs to the reading room to the left of the entry, then into the main living spaces. The contractor removed the walls between the kitchen, and the dining and living rooms to create better sight lines. The architects specified new, enlarged aluminum-frame windows throughout the house, which flood the spaces with natural light.
Judges’ Comments
One judge said that the open stair brings in light and “gives the whole house a lot of benefit for that one move.” —Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
Spec List
Bathroom plumbing fittings: Hansgrohe
Bathroom plumbing fixtures: Toto; Lacava
Dishwasher: GE Monogram
Entry doors: Sherwood Doors
Fireplace: Heat & Glo
Flooring: Bella Woods
Garage doors: Overhead Doors
Hardware: Omnia
Interior doors: Simpson Doors
Kitchen cabinets: Elmar
Kitchen plumbing fittings: Hansgrohe
Lighting fixtures: WAC; Viabizzuno; Sistemalux; Zaneen
Oven: GE Monogram
Paints/stains: Benjamin Moore
Refrigerator: GE Monogram
Siding: Viroc
Skylights: Velux
Windows: Sherwood Windows
