2012 NARI Capital CotY, Finalist Award Winner, Green Remodeling Entire House

European couple and their kids just moved into a prominent Mclean neighborhood. This single family home had a carport with a covered porch occupying the right side. The high grade of dirt in backyard made the back part of this porch partially buried ion ground.
They wanted to be as green and energy efficient as we can make this part of addition.
The first floor had a very small dining room, no breakfast area at all and a family room. This home was built on slab and had no basement.
The lack of family room or game room has a big toll on their kids not being able to do their activities around the house. Garage and storage space was another big concern of them.
Clients requested better use of outside space for their outdoor activities and relaxation.
After several meeting our design staff proposed demolishing the existing carport and porch. Then excavate the backyard and put in place a large retaining wall on two sides to control erosion and space for future planning. The demolition material was carefully separated and delivered to recycling centers.
Then we have implemented a plan to build a two story addition in that place, wide enough to allow parking of two cars and offer extra storage. Energy efficiency was our first priority. The use of FSC-Certified lumber was essential in our planning stages for our advanced balloon framing.
The first floor is now occupied with the two extra insulation garage doors and on the back a large dining room. Use of Andersen high UR values contributed to keep this addition air tight. We also used closed cell insulation with high R-values. Ridge vent and soffit vent keep the Loft very comfortable all year long.
Second floor is a loft used for family room or gaming area for kids. A French slider in dining room leads into newly in placed back and side brick patio.
Maintaining the contemporary style of this residence was one of our main objectives. A tall cathedral ceiling covered with beaded stained oak paneling and couple of skylights achieved both contemporariness and brightness of this new space. Use of matching hardwood floors finished with no VOC finish in new dining and making a large opening into old dining room made the continuation of first floor more apparent. We have used low odor and non VOC products on all paint works.
A new step of oak stairs and landing was built to lead us to second floor. A cat walk above overlooking dining room and back yard offers a panoramic view of beautiful backyard setting.
The New loft with a large front dormer and quad energy saving windows give a bright look for this everyday used space. Equipped with built in speaker and wall mount TV make the kids enjoy this space more than others.
One of the main challenges was providing HVAC for this new space form existing area. High efficient 98 Plus system with a programmable thermostat and 19 SEER compressor offered a comfort living space for them. Complicated but not impossible, we have put the unit in the old attic and ran air tight ductworks in between ceiling joists without creating unseen bulkheads. A new attic fan was placed on the old attic space and we have improved added insulation in old attic. A major caulking and air control has improved the inside air quality for old art of the house.
A matching front and backside brick fascia was installed to make this addition seamless to existing structure.
Creative use of bright color paints and LED lightings made this transformation a delightful one.
Natural light coming thorough all tall windows, doors and skylights made save lot of energy while daylight is available.
Hardie plank cement siding and fascia was used for its long lasting, maintenance free and positive environmental reviews.
The new brick covered patio on the back and right side offers them outside entertaining area, gaming area for kitchen, room for patio furniture and enjoy the beautiful back yard. This patio also resolved their mold and drainage issues that they have faced before. A non invasive landscaping with plants and in ground programmable irrigation system had given the husband a lot more time on this hand to
The brick covered retaining walls and leading steps takes you to upper level garden surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. They also control the drainage away from lower structure and foundation of home.
A new vaulted ceiling dining room, double raised panel garage doors and storage , Family room/Loft space for their informal activities and outdoor patio to satisfy the outdoor sports and entertaining. Mission accomplished.