featured project
Reed College Place, Portland, Oregon
Description
1930 Colonial style home with a 1970s addition in the rear. The partially finished basement was ready for an update and had water intrusion through the foundation. We extended the basement underneath the existing addition and the new covered deck to add a family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, laundry/pantry area, and workshop/exercise room.
The brick fireplace and chimney at the rear of the addition was replaced with French doors and a covered porch to let in more natural light and improve access to the back yard. (See Figure 1.)
Process
Excavate under the addition to extend the full basement, supporting the house above with temporary posts until the shot-crete foundation and steel beam were installed. (See Figure 2.)
The new shot-crete and remaining original foundation walls were lined with a membrane to direct moisture into a perimeter drain and sump pump.
The new deck above the basement expansion was waterproofed with PVC roofing and features an ice maker, beverage refrigerator, barbecue, hood, ceiling fan, and skylights. (See Figure 3.)
Highlights
Matching the look of the original Colonial-style, as well as making all new features work with a 100-year-old structure with 40-year-old modifications.
Engineering steel posts to fit inside reused columns, preserving the architectural element and saving the cost of fabricating new columns.
Re-creating the elliptical arches and other features of the main floor so the basement-level living spaces fit with the home's original design. (See Figure 4.)
New HVAC system with 3 separate zones for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Results
A vintage home that seamlessly incorporates modern amenities without changing its fit in the neighborhood.
An addition of 650 square feet, increasing the home's value as well as its comfort and usability for the family.
In Figure 4, the top row and bottom row show before/during and after shots, respectively, of the same areas.