Build newsletter autumn15

AUTUMN 2015 • Volume 5 • Issue 2

The expansive window overlooking the garden creates the illusion of a work of art behind the sink.

Small is good!

Autumn Wanderlust I recently set out on a solo autumn motorcycle trip – a time to explore around the shoreline of Lake Huron and gather my thoughts inside my helmet.

I came across this rare two storey stone house in Alpena, Michigan. The obviously proud homeowner was more than happy to let me snap away and admire his home, as many people surely do. Ror y

A small kitchen needing an update challenged our designers to find creative ways to maximize this floor plan. The 11' x 11' room is now a gorgeous and efficient space thanks to a full pantry wall with pullouts and drawers, and smart cabinet accessories in the prep area.

Our client's wish was to create plenty of storage and to have a clear counter space for food

WE LOVE YOUR HOUSE! An example of a metal roof done right.

This Stratford home was designated by the Ontario Heritage Act in 1994. A Queen Anne with requisite tower, it also has a palladian oval window with a keystone, charmingly set in the turret shingles.

Rory McDonnell build4u.ca 519 275 3250 rory@build4u.ca

Above: Take advantage of space with tall pullout.

Top: A knife block insert and appliance garage help keep the counter space clear.

Bottom: A clean and convenient prep area.

Visit our blog for before and after photos to see the amazing transformation: www.build4u.ca

preparation. By utilizing an appliance garage and a knife block insert, we were able to clear the counters. The full length pullout gives an excess of food storage. A large window frames the lush garden and brings in plenty of light. White painted cabinets, and quartz countertops reflect the light and lend a nice contrast to light grey subway tile and slate-look porcelain floor.

Old is new again We restored an elaborate Victorian porch to its former glory replicating its original details with new materials. This Italianate home, built in 1877, had a beautifully ornate porch which was deteriorating in places with rot, and a number of older repairs were poorly detailed and executed. We repaired and reinforced the foundations of the porch, salvaging some original hewn beams to repurpose into interior cabinets and furniture within the home. The porch flooring was replaced with painted Accoya that we milled in a narrow profile with small spaces between the boards to facilitate

drainage. New flagstone replaced the crumbling original. The curved lower railings were designed and fabricated to better shed water, and we replicated mouldings and panels where necessary. A combination of new and moisture resistant materials, such as turned pvc cylinders at the bottom of the heavy rope wood mouldings next to the vestibule door, will help this porch maintain its architectural integrity and stand the test of time.

Left: The restored porch retains its original glory.

Above: Intricate wood details are maintained with careful craftsmanship. (top inset): mouldings were remade using the originals as templates. (lower inset): the hand rails and posts were replaced on the lower and upper decks.

More space, twice the charm An airy addition with a vaulted ceiling adds volumes of living space to this traditional Ontario Cottage. The fir clad ceiling, chimney breast and graphic patterned fireplace surround have a California cottage appeal that create a relaxed atmosphere.

The rustic walnut flooring ties in nicely to the home's existing original hardwood floors. The addition's cozy dining area creates more space in the adjacent kitchen for preparing meals. French doors open onto a side porch with a lovely view of the garden. As our client has remarked, it's a perfect spot for opening the doors and listening to the rain fall on a stormy day.

A decorative vaulted ceiling illuminates the room which has ample space for living and dining areas.

Visit www.build4u.ca for more photographs of this lovely addition.