Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/133552
Photographed by Shane Quesinberry (opposite) and Skot Weidemann Photography (this page) PAGODA MEETS PRAIRIE When a custom furniture artisan decides to expand his basement woodworking shop, not many imaginative design opportunities appear. But when he decides to build more living space above the new addition, the creative juices start flowing— for homeowner and contractor alike. "The original genesis of inspiration was to add a workshop for the homeowner's furniture business," explains Jayne Johnson, project manager with Home Works Remodeling. "It morphed into an energyefficient entire-house retrofit and sunroom addition." According to Johnson, "The homeowner was also the architect on this project, so the design credit goes to him. His Prairie style was reflected in many of the details." The first step was to dig out the crawl space under the existing three-season porch on the back of the house to build the workshop expansion. The living space above became a four-season sunroom and master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, creating a comfortable retreat for the owner and bumping up the resale value. Strategically placed windows allow natural light to brighten the rooms from the floors to the new cathedral ceiling. The richly stained pine trim is juxtaposed against a light color palette to take center stage, and draws the eye to the owner's displayed custom furniture, imagined and built just one floor below. On the exterior, the remodeling crafted elements mimicked from these creations, taking cues from the owner-artisan's Craftsman style and adding a slight Pagoda feel. Asian architecture pays special attention to a building's roofline, an element sometimes lost in the cookie-cutter American homes. This project lends itself to that Asian aesthetic, with intricate design work applied to the multiple gables. "Miratek material was used for the exterior detailing in the gables and banding," explains Johnson. "A mix of cement board siding reveals and shakes created the rest of the look." Johnson notes that the finished work, including the newly insulated shell of the house (which greatly reduced street noise), far exceeded the homeowner's expectations—a monumental task when the owner is also a highly skilled artist with an eye for design. June 2013 bravamagazine.com 43