modern pittsburgh addition

Even a simple bedroom addition deserves to be elevated to architecture, we believe. In fact, that was the goal in this program to add a first-floor bedroom to the client’s home for several decades. It allowed them to forgo moving to a condo far from their beloved neighborhood. We observed two conditions that occur simultaneously that we addressed in our response. First, as a friend termed it, “a machine in the garden”, the space between the existing house and garage was a beautifully kept garden area adjacent to the narrow driveway. It was clear that this intervention would occupy this space, bound these two ‘solid’ brick objects. Therefore, it needed to acknowledge this condition with an intentional contrast to the traditional borders. Second, a narrow view exists, past the existing garage, to the Allegheny River that couldn’t be ignored. The new first-floor master bedroom exploits the view to the East with a full glass wall that is enjoyed from the new sanctuary. Sustainable features are integrated as design elements. An aluminum ribbon that mediates the two spaces serves as a solar shade over a carefully detailed envelope. The roof is designed to carry a green roof with pallet plantings hidden by a tall parapet. This remarkable client not only appreciated but requested something special that transcends the mere 350 square foot practical program that will serve them well for years to come.

Contractor: 8 Point Construction
Structural Engineering Consultant: Anderson Structural Inc.
Photography: Lee Calisti