The architecture of this house, constructed in 1948, was surprisingly intact but age was becoming a serious concern. The antiquated heating system, unsafe wiring and minimal insulation led to a whole house renovation. The structure remained unaltered with the exception of the kitchen and dining room where a wall of built-in cabinets separated the kitchen from a dining room that was barely large enough for a 4 person table. The wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room was demolished and the two spaces (and uses) joined. A 16 foot bi-parting glass door now seamlessly connects the indoors with the outdoors. The kitchen island and the dining table float as twin objects in the space anchored by 17.5 feet of back bar casework. A corner set aside for lounging makes this a true living space and not just a kitchen. The materials used reflect the realities of a limited budget stretched as far as possible. The majority of the base cabinets are faced in plastic laminate. The upper cabinets that will be seen and appreciated the most are vertical grain bamboo. Countertops and backsplash are plastic laminate. Throughout the entry, kitchen and dining spaces new porcelain tile flooring is warmed to counteract negative affects of the un-insulated concrete slab below.
