originally designed by a student of mies van der rohe, this residence was a relatively modest brick and glass structure with a rectangular footprint, designed for a couple without children. our clients had two young daughters and needed more accommodation and upgraded amenities.
the first phase of improvements included a remodeled and expanded kitchen with a breakfast area (concealed behind the new first floor curved glass block wall). the second floor above the new breakfast area expanded the bedroom of one of the daughters. other first phase improvements included updated bathrooms and lighting, as well as an expansion of a small first floor den to serve temporarily as a master bedroom.
the second phase three level addition included a three-car subterranean garage, a first floor screen porch, exercise room, and further expansion of the temporary master bedroom into a full family room, which included a stair rising to the new upper level master bedroom suite.
entry viewhedrich blessing photography
two brick and glass additions were added to this bauhaus style residence fifteen years apart. the first phase accommodated a young family. the second phase accommodated the empty nester couple whose daughters had claimed their independence.
screen porch viewhedrich blessing photography
the heated driveway ramps down to a subterranean garage that accommodates three automobiles and ample storage. the front elevation is thereby spared the appearance of garage doors dominating the street view of the residence. ground level space is then preserved for family living areas.
breakfast areahedrich blessing photography
the first phase addition expanded the original kitchen to accommodate a new breakfast area partially surrounded by a curved glass block wall that allows soft filtered daylight and privacy from a view of the driveway and entrance walk.
kitchenhedrich blessing photography
the functional food preparation area of this kitchen is separated from the breakfast area by a peninsula with a cooktop. all tall elements including a pantry cabinet, double ovens, and an industrial stainless steel refrigerator with glass doors are located opposite the sink counter. cabinets are an african mahogany with flush fronts for a minimalist yet rich appearance.
screen porch interiorhedrich blessing photography
the first floor screen porch is a summer living room providing serene views and the intimacy of a floating “orb” fireplace.
stairs to master suitehedrich blessing photography
the new stair to the upper level master bedroom suite rises against a wall of glass block that filters soft daylight into the expanded family room while maintaining privacy.
master bedroomhedrich blessing photography
the master bedroom suite combines a home office with the sleeping area and intimate reading corner. views are private and take advantage of nearby natural wooded landscaping. rift cut oak veneer with its linear graining is used on all custom designed millwork. veneer is run in the horizontal direction. flush millwork design is consistent with the minimalist aesthetic intent.
master suite fireplacehedrich blessing photography
the wood burning fireplace, wood storage recess, and flat panel tv recess form a vertical design element with radius corners, appearing to float between floor-to-ceiling glass windows. an open book shelf cabinet with similar radius end details defines a reading corner within the bedroom.
concealed doorhedrich blessing photography
the wall paneling beyond the night table is actually a fully concealed door with hidden hardware and automatic closer device. the door opens inwardly, even though it closes flush with the adjacent fixed wall panel faces. the door opens to a generous walk-in closet behind the entire bed wall.
master bathhedrich blessing photography
a series of mirror panels above the natural stone sink counters in the master bathroom open to form three-way mirrors centered on each sink and reveal medicine cabinet storage. continuous halogen lighting mounted onto the fixed mirror surface appears to float above the operable cabinets. a high band of horizontal glass block allows natural light to filter into the bathroom and shower without compromising privacy. the generous steam shower includes a rain dome, body sprays, and shampoo bottle recesses. a separate toilet room includes linen storage and maintains privacy for both users. a separate air tub is located out of view. rift cut oak veneer cabinet fronts maintain continuity with the master bedroom.
