Realty Restoration's 2010 NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes Entry

The clients of this 1963 West Austin home wanted a more modern, open living space between the kitchen, breakfast room and den to create a comfortable, contiguous area for family time. In a short span of 12 weeks, a living space and kitchen that were once divided into two separate rooms with a small pass through, was transformed and now seamlessly blend together.

One of the major obstacles to overcome in this project was reworking the HVAC, plumbing and electrical infrastructure to allow the dropped ceiling in the kitchen to be raised flush with the living room. The original design provided by the Kitchen Consultant kept the dropped ceiling intact with an HVAC fur down chase dividing the kitchen from the family room. However, we believed that a key to the overall success of this remodel would be to join the two rooms with a seamless ceiling elevation. Providing this feature meant modification of the mechanical chases and second floor framing to allow for a continuous ceiling plane, which we were granted the leeway to execute. The extensive planning and development of special steel framing components and unconventional framing was achieved by close coordination of all disciplines. Many of the original framing members were utilized by re-milling them to an appropriate size to co-ordinate with current dimensions found in new building materials. Replacement of the existing windows, sliding glass door and rear entry door with Low E units required extensive research of reclaimed material sources to find the original Austin Common brick.

The homeowner's new floor plan provides a huge center island with multiple work areas, each providing an integral work triangle with-in NKBA guidelines. Integrated under cabinet lighting and receptacle strips provide for clean and uncluttered backsplashes of iridescent green Glass tile which enhance the look of the entire space. The use of subtle colors in finish selections for Cabinets, Glass tile and D'hannis floor tile, blend with the original vintage materials. Upgrades to appliances included A Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, Viking wall ovens and professional range top, Sharp microwave drawer, True beverage center, Hoshizaki ice maker, warming drawer, and LG front loading steam washer and dryer which provide for lower Energy consumption bring this kitchen well in to the 21st century.




Specialty construction features include a large walk-in pantry with custom cabinets lined in Pacific Cloth for storing the family's silver serving pieces & flatware, a custom stainless steel backsplash and spice shelf were installed behind the range top, all new custom cabinetry, and a dining table made with a face grain cherry top by Devos Woodworking of Dripping Springs was custom designed and attached to the center island to complete the families dream kitchen.

Another successful project and lifelong friendships forged with a fulfilled client's dreams turned into reality on River Road.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• RR
• ToRH
• 2010