Project Overview

This custom home was designed for a couple transitioning into the empty-nester stage of life who wanted a comfortable and practical main-floor living layout—but also a
place where their children, grandchildren, and friends could gather. The property, located in an established neighborhood with homes 40–70 years old, offered a narrow
frontage and significant depth. The existing home was demolished to make room for a new residence that would feel understated from the street while offering exceptional interior amenities.

A key requirement was incorporating an indoor pickleball court, along with flexible
gathering spaces and thoughtful aging-friendly circulation—without allowing the home
to dominate the surrounding neighborhood.

Client Priorities

• Main-floor living for long-term comfort
• Understated exterior that blends with older neighboring homes
• Large gathering areas for extended family
• An indoor pickleball court for year-round use
• Efficient connection between levels despite the deep floor plan
• Additional workshop/garage building at the rear
• Abundant storage and practical daily-use spaces
• A sunroom for gardening and plant cultivation

Design Challenges

1. Narrow and Deep Lot
   • Efficiently arranging the floor plan so daily living spaces remained convenient while still accommodating the indoor pickleball court.
2. Neighborhood Compatibility
   • Creating a home large enough for the program but subtle enough to blend into a mature neighborhood of smaller, older structures.
3. Vertical Integration of Court Space
   • Positioning the indoor pickleball court so it didn’t overwhelm the main floor plan or street presence.
4. Circulation Through a Large Footprint
   • Ensuring the long, central hallway and deep footprint didn’t feel disconnected or tunnel-like.
5. Multiple Outbuildings and Vehicle Access
   • Routing a driveway along one side past the home, toward a detached garage/ workshop at the back of the property.

Design Solutions

1. Indoor Pickleball Court Half-Level Design
   • The court was positioned between the main floor and basement, accessed from an oversized landing on the staircase.
     • Glass doors provide views into the court.
     • A side entrance off the driveway allows equipment and guests to enter without crossing the main living spaces.
2. Understated Front Elevation
   • The home’s proportions, materials, and simple roofline were intentionally kept modest to blend with neighboring homes.
   • A deep, covered front porch provides approachable scale and a welcoming social space.
3. Efficient Main-Floor Living
   • Private primary suite with large closet, soaking tub, oversized shower, water closet, and a small vestibule for privacy.
   • Guest suite on the main floor for visiting family.
   • A centrally located mudroom between garage and main hall.
4. Large Family Gathering Spaces
   • A spacious great room with tall ceilings, faux beams, and a fireplace framed by windows.
   • A 12′ kitchen island, large dining area for 10–12 people, and a generous walk-in pantry.
   • A sunroom with work table, sink, drainage floor, and full window exposure for plant-growing.
5. Smart Circulation in a Deep Floor Plan
   • A long main hallway links the entry to the great room, visually broken up with views into tall spaces, angled ceilings, and the open stairwell.
6. Outdoor Living That Fits the Lot
   • A covered rear patio, accessed from the dining area, provides outdoor seating without requiring a large backyard footprint.
7. Basement Layout for Flexible Use
   • Large 36′ × 37′ family room with kitchenette
   • Two bedrooms with walk-in closets
   • Large hall bath
   • Exercise room, future sauna space, and mechanical room
   • Cold storage under front porch
   • Reading nook under the stairs with raised floor for grandkids
8. Garage Strategy and Outbuildings
   • Oversized attached garage with added depth and a small overhead door connecting to the side driveway.
   • ◦ Detached pre-fabricated garage/workshop placed at the rear of the property.