n07 The Loft That Almost Wasn't
Pathway Design + Construction; ming | architecture and design
The Challenge: How to merge an existing home's functionally obsolescent footprint with the needs of a growing family, while at the same time incorporating sustainable, healthy home, and energy efficient elements. The Solution: This behind-the-walls tour showcases not only the homeowner’s ideas and goals but the team work that was required to move the vision to reality.
The homeowners envisioned converting unused attic space that was being slowly crushed under the weight of 4 layers of composition shingle into a loft area where their children could grow and play. Ultimately this evolved into Phase 1: An energy efficient basement remodel that provide desperately needed space including a future bathroom. It also allowed for improvement to the home’s IEQ (indoor environmental quality) and comfort level while providing the structural support needed for the future loft. Phase 2: “The Loft” was modeled by the owners using their children’s LEGO blocks. This, combined with imaginative design, engineering know how, best of building science and proper material selection, should provide additional space that will meet the family’s needs.
*NOTE: No LEGO’s were harmed during the course of modeling and permission was granted by the homeowner’s children.
Lengthy and challenging remodels can still be fun, satisfying and rewarding. Come discuss and explore a projects challenges trying to design to a family's changing wants and needs and the triumphs in making the right decision, for the right reason, at the right time, using the right strategy. This project explored many strategies and methods before settling on the final design. The patience and dedication that are involved with remodeling projects before, during and after are put on display for your education.
Special Features:
- Geothermal Heat Pump
- Metal Roof
- Double wall gable ends
- Air sealing / weatherization techniques and materials which are visible for viewing
- Multiple insulation types
- Containment methods used that allowed homeowners to live in home during construction
- Future rain water collection
- Sustainable materials
- Removable windows
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