Built in​ 1953, the Cornell house is located in a showcase subdivision for midcentury design. While neighboring houses have been beautifully restored, this house was cold, drafty, and drab. The owner set her sights on opening the living room and kitchen dramatically to the lush back yard and replacing utilities and finishes throughout. 

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Structural improvements were needed to accommodate an opened living room and new window and door in the back wall. The window and door were sourced from a Canadian company for their dramatic size and freedom to open completely, allowing the living space to flow unimpeded into the garden. Radiant floor heating with solar-thermal heat source replaced the original (and filthy) forced air heating.

New hardwood floors are red oak with a grey wash stain, and are warm to the touch on cool mornings thanks to the radiant heating. The kitchen/dining room ceiling is cherry veneer paneling. The kitchen was completely replaced with charcoal maple cabinets and a stunning solid soapstone sink. A clay plaster covered original cinder block in the living room, adding the warm glow of adobe to soften the modern features.

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Design and Project Management -   Sharon, Home Ecology

Structural Building -   RedCorp

Custom Finish Carpentry -   Peter Mason

Tile and Clay Installation -   Sharon, Home Ecology