The new owner of this classic Swiss craftsman home asked Cella Architecture help to improve, modernize and expand the home while maintaining the historic character, style, and detailing. The final result is a gracious and updated home which presents as entirely original and unaltered in spite of the extensive work and changes implemented in the course of the project. 

The initial impetus for the project was to replace the very steep and narrow stairs to the second floor but the full scope of the renovation ultimately touched nearly every room of the house with a significant portion of the interior walls and even floors removed in the demolition.  This clean slate allowed for new spaces to be designed, unconstrained by what was once there.

The changes start at the front entry where an earlier remodel enclosed the original open porch but left the stairs terminating at the front door without a landing. This safety issue was rectified with new stairs and landing made of a thermally modified American white ash which provides a durable yet stylistically appropriate materials and appearance for the house. Overhead a new canopy provides protection from the weather and a distinctly marked entrance. Custom wood windows and front door lead to a light filled entry that serves as space to greet guests while also offering privacy to the rest of the house. 

Moving past the entry you are greeted by the new light filled stair system with its custom railing featuring ginkgo leaf cutouts, striking wood paneling, and oversized windows – a significant upgrade from the original cramped utilitarian stairs. Adjoining this space is the original dining room separated by an oversized pair of pocket doors. 

The new kitchen is separated from the dining room by a pair of display cabinet set under an abbreviated craftsman style square column. These provide separation while maintaining a connection between the two rooms. In the kitchen, a bank of south facing windows drench the space with daylight and bring out the warmth of the custom white oak cabinetry. Opposite the range with its custom textured and fumed white oak hood hold the attention surrounded by the green craftsman wall tiles. At the far end of the room a new banquette, tucked into a window-filled corner, provides a quaint, quiet table for breakfast and casual dining.

Upstairs, we created a spacious primary suite which takes advantage of  the space provided by two new shed dormers to add windows, a large closet, a laundry room and a sizable primary bathroom. At the opposite end of the second floor we added a new ensuite bathroom to create a self contained guest bedroom suite. The external changes required for these expanded functions are accomplished in such a way that they are barely noticeable from the street and completely natural feeling when they are noticed. 

The house was expanded behind the original foot print to provide an attached garage and small potting room as well as a back porch that connects the house to the beautifully landscaped yard beyond.