Project Type | Two Storey Rear Yard Addition |
Client | Private |
Neighbourhood | Queen’s (Kingston Ontario(=) |
Concept | Contemporary |
Contractor | TBD |
The clients of 52 Hill Street hired ARCA-VERDE to design a contemporary rear yard addition to their existing single-storey house. They desire flexible space to spend time with their young family, one that will grow with them. They also desired a feeling of privacy and relaxation in their master suite to retire at the end of a busy day.
>Site
>Their existing home is a single-storey detached residence situated mid-block in an older neighbourhood of Kingston, Ontario. ARCA-VERDE was challenged to create a two-storey volume that pleases the client’s modern style while keeping the neighbourhood context in mind. ARCA-VERDE took advantage of the property’s north-south orientation and maximized the glazing along the south and west elevation to maximize solar gain. A road runs along the south side of the property, creating a focal point on that elevation as you approach.
>Appearance
>The exterior creates a sense of separation between the functions of rooms by manipulating the size & shape of the different volumes. The location of the master bedroom becomes a focal point on the exterior as the charcoal-coloured wood siding and IPE vertical wood siding make a striking contrast along the south elevation. Furthermore, grey metal siding wraps the space along the walls and sloped roof, while the cantilevered walls increase the volume. The glazing below the south and west walls creates a sense of openness and helps to highlight the bedroom. The exterior walls along the stairwell are finished with metal siding to minimize its appearance along the front façade.
>What is created are three volumes highlighting the separate functions of the space that embody the modern look the client desired.
>Interior
>The family room is located on the main level and accessed through the existing kitchen. It was intentionally designed to be a flexible space to allow the client to maximize the use of the room as the years go on. The glazing along the west and south wall allows for clear sight lines to their spacious backyard, where the kids can play. The two oversized doors open to the existing patio, where the clients can eat and entertain outdoors. ARCA-VERDE introduced a new staircase off the kitchen that leads up to the master suite. The translucent solid surface wall combined with the east-facing window at the top of the stairwell offers a sense of openness as you walk up the stairs. The master suite feels spacious, with a slanted ceiling and exposed rafters. The two-sided fireplace in the center of the room stands as the focal point & allows for continuous circulation revolving around it while offering a sense of privacy between the bedroom and ensuite. The master suite offers a sense of privacy from the rest of the house, an area to relax and unwind at the end of the day.
>Material and Design Features