Location: Durham, NC

General Contractor / Design-Build: Little Corner Construction, a local construction cooperative

Ripe for renovation and addition, this small 2/bed 1/bath 1940’s home was situated on a deep lot off a cul-de-sac. It had a very simple form, with a single gable roof that covered the whole house, except an extension at the front. The clients wanted to investigate the design possibilities of a rear addition, create outdoor living spaces, and renovate the existing home, vaulting the roof and making it an open floor-plan with areas for kitchen, living, and dining. Difficulty lie in creating a two-story addition that complimented the original house, not overpower it, and met the needs of the clients and the narrow site. Working together, we completed site-vetting, massing, floor plan, elevation, and structural phases, and then prepared all plans necessary to submit for permit approval.

Finished Exterior View

View from the driveway entrance, showing the original structure (front) with new porch roof and finishes, and the 2-story addition at the rear.

Vaulted Interior

The original ceiling was vaulted to create an open floor plan for living, kitchen, and dining areas.

Original House

View from the driveway of the original condition.

Massing Study

We reviewed multiple ways to add a 2-story addition without overpowering the existing house and still achieve the most cost-effective square footage.

3D Massing Study

Reviewing the addition in three dimensions allows for the clearest assessment.

First Floor Plan

First floor plan, with the existing walls shown in white and the new walls in dark gray.

Second Floor Plan

The second floor plan of the addition, with large bedrooms, a bonus room, and shared bathroom.