Ranch Rebuild 

MDB started with modest goals for this home in a neighborhood of post-war ranches in North Princeton. Most of these mid-century homes have been torn down to make way for 3,000+ square foot plus homes that occupy the maximum allowable area on the lot. We sought to balance modernization (the existing 3BR house only had 1 bathroom) with maintaining the low-slung forms of the existing streetscape. The design keeps a low profile but adds a two-story, 820-square-foot extension to the rear of the house with great light from its band of clerestory windows. 

There had been few improvements to the house since originally constructed and as demolition proceeded it was clear much of the building was past its serviceable life. Termites had obliterated key structural components and all the plumbing and electrical systems needed full replacement. Miraculously the foundation and the original split ring roof trusses and solid wood sheathing boards were in excellent shape. We decided to leave these wood components visible in the original section of the house and continue that theme, framing the second-level addition with exposed wood and steel trusses.  

The exterior is a mix of corrugated metal and reclaimed redwood over a robust 3" layer of continuous exterior insulation, wrapping the house in a warm, air-tight blanket that, at ACH .44, is better than the Passive House standard. Our collaborators ReVireo helped us achieve Energy Star and IndoorAirPlus certification. The exterior doors and windows are triple-pane aluminum imported from Europe by Ikon. 

The interior is an eclectic mix of materials and techniques. The concrete slab finish is tinted black and hand-troweled to form an organic pattern. We built the staircase with scraps of engineered lumber left over from the framing phase. And the interior doors were salvaged from a demolished bank in Lima, Ohio by our friends at Old School Salvage. What has been more rewarding than completing this project and turning it over to its new residents are the warm messages of approval and appreciation from folks throughout the neighborhood.