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KITCHEN
LOFT
Located on a quiet tree lined street in a very desirable neighborhood sits a typical , unassuming ranch-style bungalow . The home was perfectly proportioned for a family in the 60s and 70s , but the average contemporary family expects more out of their living space , and the new owners of this home were no exception . While they fell in love with the neighborhood , they recognized that the home would need to expand to meet the needs of their growing family . The lot size afforded them the option to completely tear down the existing house and build new , but the homeowners wanted to respect the aesthetic , size , and scale of the homes in the neighborhood and did not want to build a “ monster home ” that would stick out like a sore thumb . So the challenge became how to grow the existing home .
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The initial scheme involved creating a juxtaposition of the new and old by sliding in contemporary glass boxes into the existing home . However , following a review of the cost implications , the homeowners were advised to review an alternative that would provide better “ bang for their buck .” The second scheme looks to remove the existing roof and rebuild it to accommodate higher ceilings on the ground floor and a loft space above for the bedrooms . This allows the ground floor to spread out to provide a generous kitchen with a breakfast nook , a dining table that opens onto a front patio with landscaping for privacy , and a large living room for entertaining . Often times , the design process involves several iterations , especially when teaching old houses new tricks . And there is also time , money and patience needed to make
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it through municipal approvals and the construction itself . However , this time and effort pays dividends once the family sits down for their first movie night in their new living room – knowing that it is a customized , tailored solution that has transformed their old home into their dream home . - Christine Hancock , Architect
PRO TIP
Engage your architect / designer early ! They can help you quickly explore a few different options at a high level before committing to a design that matches the
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desired budget and aesthetics . This will save you time and money in the long run . thinkform . ca I 1.226.476.1428 I 881 Queens Blvd , Kitchener , Ontario , N2M 1A8