Like many of downtown Orlando's charming homes, this residence
was situated on property that left little room for an addition.
The homeowners, Gordon and Gail Russ, however, needed more space
after the birth of their daughter. They wanted to eliminate clutter
and create a playroom for their new child. They also wanted to
create a master bedroom suite that would give them more space
and provide a quiet retreat.
"We wanted to be sure the addition would not look like it
had been added on and would take on the character of the rest
of the home," explains Gail.
Located on a quiet cul-de-sac carved out of a busy downtown area,
the home was built in the 1980's using windows, doors and other
materials salvaged from a period home to give it the appearance
of being built in the 1920's. Gordon and Gail wanted this same
character to extend to the new addition.
Since there was no room to extend the existing space outward,
PSG Construction teamed with Ross Design Group to create a 630
sq. ft. second story addition consisting of a very private master
bedroom and bathroom suite. To gain the desired playroom and
storage space downstairs, the Russ' converted the old master
bedroom into the family office, and the original office was turned
into the playroom. Situated next to their daughter's bedroom,
the playroom is convenient for both storage and play.
The second story addition was created by first removing the roof
from the existing carport and eliminating a family room window
to make way for the staircase leading to the new space. The suite
was designed to suggest a 1920's look, in keeping with the rest
of the home.
The staircase, built from heart pine to match the existing family
room floor, leads directly to the master bedroom suite. Double
entry doors are topped with a 1920's style transom window that
provides additional light. Crown moulding is 5 ¼"
wide, and door header mouldings are custom made. A spacious walk-in
closet provides ample storage room.
The bathroom most prominently conveys an early-century look with
bead board wainscoting, wood flooring, 6" baseboard and
pedestal sinks. The marble-tiled shower features a basket weave
patterned floor. Visible from the doorway connecting the bedroom
and bathroom is the claw foot tub, the focal point of the bathroom.
PSG Construction also enclosed the existing carport to give the
couple a garage that would afford them additional storage space
and shelter for their vehicles.
Now Gordon and Gail are able to enjoy additional living space
and storage on property that is limited in size. Their new addition
is in keeping with the original character of the home and looks
as if it existed all along.
"The newly built part of the house blends in perfectly with
the existing structure," Gail says. "It doesn't look
like an add-on. It's hard to imagine the house being the way
it was before. The addition is so natural, it seems like this
is the way the house has always been." PSG
SOURCES
Drywall - R.K.
Edwards
Interior Trim & Doors - Residential Building Supply
Plumbing Labor - Modern Plumbing
Air Conditioning & Heating - Air Masters
Roofing - Steppi Roofing
