Doing More with Less in Connecticut...

In "Creating the Not So Big House", architect Sarah Susanka talks about how an architect made a small summer cottage on a small lot in Connecticut into a full-time home for 4 people. The house was converted into 3 stories, but using the orginal footprint with only 2 small "bumpouts". Each level every bit of space was used and filled without feeling claustrophobic. How was this done?

Main Level

The main level consists of 500 square feet room used for entering, sitting, cooking, eating and going up or downstairs. If walls were added to partition according to function, rooms would seems small. But if the space is left completely open, there is little distinction between one area and another, and this also makes the space feel small.

The solution?

Walls around the refrigerator creates a "pod space" which breaks up the kitchen and living room by partially obscuring the view. The wall also acts as a column, in the center of the bay window, giving symetry. The ceilings were also lowered over the kitchen and dining areas to further separate them from the living room area.

*Oversized bay window in living room area makes main level feel larger
*Refrigerator wall creates "pod of space"
*Bumpout for kitchen cabinets and stove
*Unconventional materials used-roof tin for wall covering in entry, oars used for stair rails
*Spacial layering of different ceiling heights create separation between areas

Second Level

On the second level floor plan, the master bedroom looks like a square. But by using spatial layering of different ceiling heights the bedroom gives a very differnt impression.

*Exposed ceiling beams above sleeping area to support third level
*Vaulted ceiling following roof for other end of room.

Third Level

Above the children's bedroom closets are transom windows which are above the roof line, making the doors look like exits to the outdoors. The bedroom is topped with a vaulted ceiling with a blue sky painted with stars, making it look like the bedroom is open to the sky.