A Denver pop top remodel by KGA Associate Principal Travis Hendrix is one for the books. A second-floor addition and redesign of the main-floor living spaces adds much-needed space, functionality, and feel-good style for a busy family of four.
Brimming With Potential
When faced with the reality that they had outgrown their small post-WWII bungalow home, our clients had to decide whether to sell and move to a new build community or remodel. While the home had good bones, it had seen its fair share of renovations from previous owners, resulting in an awkward layout and inefficient use of space.
(Deciding whether to scrape or remodel? Learn more about this common question in our Scrape vs. Remodel blog post.)
The clients loved their neighborhood and schools, but realized they would need to substantially increase the home’s square footage to make it live the way they wanted. When they discovered they could double their home’s size with a pop top addition for around the same cost as moving to a larger new build home in a different neighborhood, they decided to remodel. They also realized they needed an architect’s guidance and reached out to KGA’s Travis Hendrix to help bring their vision to life. At the top of their priority list was more breathing room, home office spaces, and a new primary bedroom suite. They were also open to suggestions on how to improve the main floor living room, kitchen, and dining area. This project was a design build collaboration with our friends at TMD Custom Builders.
Tailor Made Livability
Adding a second level to a single-story home comes with a variety of opportunities and considerations. The most noticeable benefit is space. This pop top addition expanded the home’s primary living space from 1,706 square feet to 2,880 square feet.
All bedrooms moved up to the second floor. This created space for two private offices on the main level for remote working. The primary bedroom, primary bathroom, and kids’ bedrooms were increased for added comfort. For convenience, the laundry room was relocated from the basement to the second floor.
Vertical circulation needs careful consideration in a pop top remodel. Movement between the first and second floors should feel natural. Here, the staircase location, landing, and balusters opened up the main-level ceiling to create volume and bring in more natural light from above.
The project required some exploratory demolition to understand how the home’s construction would impact the new design. Masonry walls made raising the ceiling height from 7.5 feet to 8.5 feet easier and more cost-effective. A new vaulted ceiling in the family room makes the space feel open and bright.
The new design also embraces the uniqueness and constraints of the home’s layout. The structure’s footprint was already as big as it could be given the lot size. Room relocations and repurposing optimize the existing square footage, improve the home’s flow, and refresh the everyday living experience.
Transforming the main-level kids’ bedrooms into two private offices creates comfortable work-from-home spaces. The new kitchen location from its awkward spot at the entry to a central location improves circulation and functionality. A center island adds more cabinet space, counter prep, and barstool dining. The cozy breakfast nook and walk-in pantry create more dining space and kitchen utility, respectively. A mudroom off the living room doubles as an owner’s entry and drop zone closer to the garage.
Exterior Design Elements
The home’s exterior improvements effortlessly blend old with new in the clients’ neighborhood of traditional brick and wood-framed homes. The home’s original brick siding was preserved, with a new board and batten on the pop up addition. Desiring a departure from neighboring homes with white exteriors, the clients chose an inky black paint color. Natural wood beams and columns add a warm contrast and visually break up the exterior elevation.
Outdoor living was also a priority, so the new design features a covered back patio for private outdoor living and offers some shelter to and from the detached alley garage. The covered porch creates livable outdoor space in the front of the home.
Trusting the Process
Open communication, timely decision-making, and collaboration fueled the project’s success. The clients had a good idea of their vision for their home from the start and trusted Travis and the KGA team to bring it to life. The project’s site and structure constraints allowed creativity to flourish, resulting in a custom-tailored forever home for the clients.
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