X

Snyder ResidenceAnn Arbor, MI

Architect:

Steven Sivak Architects and Constructors

Constructor:

Steven Sivak Architects and Constructors

A simple ranch "addition" which turned out to be a near remake of the entire house and one of the office's favorite projects. Our clients agreed with us that a simple "bump" addition would not suffice. These typical bumps on the back of so many suburban homes fails to alter the the house in any significant manner and even worse, they usual fail to integrate themselves into the design of the original house and wind up standout out like sore thumbs. The scheme that was finally built takes a look at the long ridge line and corresponding roof planes of the existing home, and uses it for design inspiration. The roof investigation along with tight property lines an easements force the design into existence. The result is a series of folded planes which are built using flu-lam beams and steel columns to form the ridges and folds of this origami-like organism which wraps around the old house with a sort of fluidity which ultimately blend and knits itself to the original home. Due to framing the house as both a post and beam and stick framed structure, all of the ceilings follow the undulating shape of the exterior. The flat eight foot ceiling of the soar to nearly twice that height in the from "guitar room" and Master Bedroom. What was once a house with small highly restrictive spaces now flows and breathes and most importantly gives new life to the original house without destroying it.

X

Snyder ResidenceAnn Arbor, MI

Architect:

Steven Sivak Architects and Constructors

Constructor:

Steven Sivak Architects and Constructors

A simple ranch "addition" which turned out to be a near remake of the entire house and one of the office's favorite projects. Our clients agreed with us that a simple "bump" addition would not suffice. These typical bumps on the back of so many suburban homes fails to alter the the house in any significant manner and even worse, they usual fail to integrate themselves into the design of the original house and wind up standout out like sore thumbs. The scheme that was finally built takes a look at the long ridge line and corresponding roof planes of the existing home, and uses it for design inspiration. The roof investigation along with tight property lines an easements force the design into existence. The result is a series of folded planes which are built using flu-lam beams and steel columns to form the ridges and folds of this origami-like organism which wraps around the old house with a sort of fluidity which ultimately blend and knits itself to the original home. Due to framing the house as both a post and beam and stick framed structure, all of the ceilings follow the undulating shape of the exterior. The flat eight foot ceiling of the soar to nearly twice that height in the from "guitar room" and Master Bedroom. What was once a house with small highly restrictive spaces now flows and breathes and most importantly gives new life to the original house without destroying it.