Ottawa Townhouse Redesign Briefing

Li-Na

We were also curious if anyone had thoughts on what to do about that structural beam running between the dining area and living room. Do we pretend not to see it or is there a way to integrate it somehow?

If anyone has questions on anything, do ask, as we’ll be poking our noses in here throughout the day. :) We’re really looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Brad W

After watching the video, I am not entirely sure what the objectives are for this renovation. Further, the existing and demo plans are very similar. Would it be possible to provide a brief summary?

Stephane

Sorry if it appeared a bit nebulous. We’ve already remodelled the kitchen and liked the size, its position sort of limits the amount of demolition.

Essentially, we’re looking into:
- making better use of the spaces in front and back of the house.
- we’d like to add some storage/pantry in the entrance nook for seldom used appliances and large supplies w/o it looking like it’s an extention of the kitchen.
- We’d like some sort of seating in the entrance nook.
- Any suggestions for other uses of the entrance space would be great.
- Ideas on how to get more natural light in the basement stairwell while keeping the ability to close it up for privacy. Moving the door down to the basement level might be a little difficult.
- ideas on how to position furniture in the back space, how to accommodate the fireplace that cannot be moved.

In short, this is probably light on construction and heavier in use of space/organization. Construction might be more geared towards cosmetic changes and potential mill work.

One idea to throw out there:
-a few of the units here have altered their stairwell to have a small landing at the base of the stairs to allow the bottom steps to be rotated 90 degrees and face the dining room.

Hope this helps.

Brad W

[img]shs6v1.jpg[/img]

More natural light in basement stairwell – install glass panel door, create an interior window in the hall or create many different sized interior windows in the hall (see the Butcher House by LineBox Studio for inspiration) – you could put artwork in the basement stairwell opposite the interior windows for interest

The front of the house – it is now a study with desk facing the window and floor to ceiling cabinets on the side wall for storage – the desk chair can sub for a bench

The staircase – I extended the last step to create a landing – this directs traffic into the hall and allows me to create a half wall located directly under the beam to better define the living room space

The living room – I refuse to believe the fireplace cannot be moved – anything can be moved – the fireplace must go to be replaced with mill work to house a fireplace, TV and storage – a new larger patio door is installed in the rear elevation – at the very least the angle of the fireplace can be modified and the entire thing refaced

The beam – this could be disguised by some form of ceiling art, for example, stainless cables attached between the beam and wall in the dining room could be used to support a translucent fabric and/or lighting – consult with artist or set designer friends

Terri

[img]ottawath.jpg[/img][img]cornerfireplace13.jpg[/img][img]kitchenseatingbuiltinbench.jpg[/img][img]glassdoor.gif[/img][img]builtinheat.jpg[/img]

I had a similar strategy to Brad by putting a glass door at the top of the stairs and installing a window in the stairwell. I wouldn’t bother with too many, as there’s not a lot of light to be had in the interior anyway.

As for the fireplace, I found an image of a corner fireplace that is built into drywall. I think you could convert your present unit to a similar configuration. You could go for completely plain, or use a reveal like John and Matthew so often do to add geometrical interest. The shelves beside the fireplace would have to be incorporated into the drywall “box” running along the stair wall.

For the front room, I’ve gone with your original idea for a bench. I found a rather traditional room with a similar layout (reverse the image) to what I’m imagining, which may not be a style you like. But the idea here is to put some storage under the bench, shelves beside it and a built-in unit that runs into the desk unit. The bench has a small companion seat beside the door. If there was room, I would have put a bookcase on the back, but there isn’t so…

I’ve included a bunch of images. First, is the fireplace, second is the traditional bench with desk and bookcase flanking. The third is a glass door (a bit decorative–found at whatapane.ca) and the last is the type of built-in heater you’d have to use instead of a baseboard unit if you build in a window bench.

Terri

[img]modbench.jpg[/img]

And while I was gathering images I found a cool modern bench, in case you want to go with a less built-in look.

Li-Na

[img]stairsturncabinet.jpg[/img][img]stairscabinet7.jpg[/img]

Ahh, if only all real-life limitations could be gotten rid of by clicking a mouse! ;) Unfortunately, we are stuck with the dastardly corner fireplace.

I have actually been toying with these 2 images of a stair-cabinet combo for awhile. The problem is that I can’t picture how the other end of the cabinet/media shelf would meet the corner fireplace. The devil is in the details!

Also, looking at your floorplan, Brad, it appears the desk in the entrance area takes up far too much space considering it would not be a primary work/study area. It might work better to reduce the desk area and use the rest of the front wall as a window seat? That way, a nice little reading nook might be created (something I’ve always wanted) and it could also double as seating for footwear removal. :)

Terri, that bench is a good start. Do you have an idea of where you would position it within the entrance area? I ask because we’ve been trying to find a bench that would fit in front of the window and haven’t succeeded (the baseboard heater usually gets in the way). Perhaps you have a different bench location in mind? BTW, one day you have to tell me how you organize all your images…I have tonnes and can’t keep proper track of mine! ;)

Stephane

Some additional comments…

Moving the fireplace and enlarging the patio doors would ultimately require passing a vote at the condo association’s annual general meeting. There are several other steps to get there (engineer’s report, approval from the condo board, lawyer consultation for drafting a new condo bylaw,…) Even going through all of that, it is possible for the other condo association members to turn it down. There’s still the quagmire of determining responsibility should an issue arise with anything that comes into contact with the altered elements. Maintenance of the altered elements would also fall on us. I’m not sure where the chimney would fit into all of this in terms of responsibility, etc.

Hence, in this case we would rather live with the corner fireplace.

Which reminds me, the patio doors open on the “northern” half. The half closer to the fireplace does not open. It is potentially easier to have this changed, but I don’t know if there are any code issues with having a door close to the fireplace or away from the baseboard heating (found on the northern wall). I would have to look into this, some of the units are mirror-images to ours and it would be interesting to see which side their patio doors open. There are less issues when a modification is equivalent to existing.

Extending only the bottom step into a landing is an interesting idea. I’ve seen a few units that have the bottom two or three steps changed to a landing but I wasn’t convinced if that would have worked in our setup. Extending only the bottom step would minimize the extra floor space required to change the direction.

Thanks everyone.

Terri

[img]builtincabs.jpg[/img]

Hi Li-Na,
Are you referring to the modern bench when you ask where I’d put it? Well… I had thought it might fit under the window, but I guess it’s not the comfy type of unit for reading and so on. It’d be great if there was so way to put it next to the closet where the staircase door now swings in, but that’s not possible. If it were to go to the left of the door, you’d want to have something hanging behind it, possibly. The arch in that opening might make that rather difficult though.

Guess I’m a big help here. :{

As for the images, I don’t collect them regularly, so these I just saved with names I could remember.

Speaking of images…I had also downloaded a desk with cabinets that someone custom built, so I’m including that image. The only possible location for something like it is the wall behind your stove. It could be made in any material you prefer (like your maple or birch in your image). It’s the configuration that I thought was good.

Karli

[img]windowseat3.jpg[/img][img]livingroom29.jpg[/img][img]foyer13.jpg[/img][img]furniture2.jpg[/img][img]photowall.jpg[/img][img]5_plan.jpg[/img]

Focused mainly on the front room, seems like it would be a very cozy casual library/entrance. Window seat built-in with mill work and bookshelves/storage on either side. Underneath the window seat will probably have to be the heater. Decorative/functional chair in the corner. Uploaded a photo of one, but depending on you’re style, you might want something more modern.
Underneath the cutout looking into the kitchen is an end table to throw keys and cell phones on (see photo). The end table could be a storage unit (see photo) instead, to put appliances, paper towel rolls, gloves and hats, etc in.
Dining room – standard table seating 4, maybe a table that can extend to seat 6 when having company (if there are rooms).
Not sure if the scale is correct for living room. I have a love seat, chair, circular end table and coffee table for furniture. If there is room, you could put a desk behind. Along the fireplace wall – storage and t.v. mill work. in the corner are some bookshelves for more storage.
I also uploaded a photo of a wall collage. This could be used as a focal point in the dining room, or in the hallway so it doesn’t look like a tunnel.
The structural beam you talked about could be painted a different color as everything else, or even a shade darker or lighter of the hue of the room.

Frances GF

[img]1_shs6demo.jpg[/img][img]ikea.jpg[/img][img]ikea2.jpg[/img]

Hello LiNa and Stephane,

Here are my suggestions for your home. A desk and bench take advantage of the front view. The bench can be open on the bottom to allow for your heating system.

If you aren’t a fan of built-ins a free standing piece could be an option. I have included images of two units available from Ikea. The wider, white unit would fit on the adjacent wall.

At a minimum a frosted glass door can be installed at the top of the stairs to provide more light to the lower level.

As Matthew suggested the TV unit is an extension off the fireplace. I thought a furniture piece between the living and dining areas could service both, as both a sofa table and a buffet.

Li-Na

Actually, Terri, you are causing the cogs in my brain to start squeaking up, so you *are* being a big help!

You’re right, I was referring to the modern bench you posted when I asked where you would put it. To be honest, I’m finding it tough to find a bench that is available in Canada that has the right dimensions, and legs that don’t interfere with the heater. I have found one bench so far (that wasn’t a comfy reading spot either, but by this point, I am willing to compromise), but it had a nasty tendency to tip if you sat on the ends (I nixed it). That is why I have started thinking it might have to be a built-in.

The picture of the built-ins you just posted made me think of something else that goes back to Brad’s floorplan. Suppose we ditched the bench idea and went with a comfy chair? I haven’t paid much attention to chairs before…are there any that might work as both a desk chair as well as a somewhat comfy reading chair or am I asking for too much as usual? ;)

Brad W

Condo boards, lawyers, rules, regulations, bureaucracy at every turn crushing all attempts at creative expression…I can no longer work under these conditions :)

Li-Na

Hello Frances, you posted while I was mulling over my reply to Terri! I have Questions. :)

1) What do you envision as the piece between the fireplace and the TV unit? I don’t mean to be a pain, but this is the question that’s been stumping me in my schemes. :)

2) Tell us more about the window bench and desk. :) Are they separate pieces or one unit?

I really liked how your solutions address the issues we’re having yet require minimal alterations to the house.

Yo, Brad! Suck it up, buddy! :) :) :) :) Getting around all these limitations requires a lot of creativity!

Stephane

In all seriousness, our condo is generally pretty good. In just in this case, there is no precedence in altering the fireplace and patio doors. We would need to start from scratch. It might be easier if we could gather a group of other unit owners to sign on to making similar changes to their own units.

However, It would take a long time to brainwash enough people to make it worthwhile. ;)

Karli

[img]1_windowseat3.jpg[/img][img]1_foyer13.jpg[/img][img]1_livingroom29.jpg[/img][img]1_furniture2.jpg[/img][img]1_photowall.jpg[/img][img]6_plan.jpg[/img]

Not sure if my comment went through, so my apologies this is a duplicate. It may be because my pictures were too large….
Focused mainly on the front room, seems like it would be a very cozy casual library/entrance. Window seat built-in with mill work and bookshelves/storage on either side. Underneath the window seat will probably have to be the heater. Decorative/functional chair in the corner. Uploaded a photo of one, but depending on you’re style, you might want something more modern.
Underneath the cutout looking into the kitchen is an end table to throw keys and cell phones on (see photo). The end table could be a storage unit (see photo) instead, to put appliances, paper towel rolls, gloves and hats, etc in.
Dining room – standard table seating 4, maybe a table that can extend to seat 6 when having company (if there are rooms).
Not sure if the scale is correct for living room. I have a love seat, chair, circular end table and coffee table for furniture. If there is room, you could put a desk behind. Along the fireplace wall – storage and t.v. mill work. in the corner are some bookshelves for more storage.
I also uploaded a photo of a wall collage. This could be used as a focal point in the dining room, or in the hallway so it doesn’t look like a tunnel.
The structural beam you talked about could be painted a different color as everything else, or even a shade darker or lighter of the hue of the room.

Karli

Sorry about terrible spelling issues…
“but depending on your style”
“maybe a table that can extend to seat 6 when having company (if there is room)”
“could be painted a different color than everything else”

Brad W

[img]shs6v2.jpg[/img]

Building on Frances scheme, there is a floor to ceiling bookcase which intersects with the very slightly modified fireplace – a lower, deeper unit holds the TV and storage (a front elevation of this would but no time). In the front there is a window bench (carefully constructed to deal with HVAC issues) with storage underneath, a tall corner cabinet (floor to ceiling) for more storage (you can stand on the bench for higher access) and a desk with comfy chair (yes Li-Na you are asking too much – typical client always back seat driving the project :)).

Anyway will not be online tomorrow – I am sure John and Matthew will knock it out of the park for you…

Brad W

One final thing…I really do not think you need the builtin bookcase and TV cabinet – a cool standalone piece and a nice flat screen TV would be money well spent and they move with you. I would paint the fireplace the same colour as the walls to make it disappear.

As for the builtins at the front you could save money by adapting ready made stuff.

Brad W

[img]shs6v3.jpg[/img]

Oh yeah, with all the money I just saved you change the patio door so it opens the other way.

Frank

[img]entrystudy.jpg[/img][img]3form.comglassorresinmaterials.jpg[/img][img]wallunit.jpg[/img][img]wall1.jpg[/img][img]planview.jpg[/img][img]glasswallandfireplacetvbookshelves.jpg[/img][img]fromkitchen.jpg[/img]

Here are my suggestions for the townhouse:

1. The entry would have a seat and glass wall divider made of resin or glass. See samples at http://www.3-form.com
2. Use entry room for study with built in wall storage unit and extra closet space.
3. Stairwell would use same type of materials over existing framing members or new header and post wall.
4. At fireplace, I would raise landing to stairs and incorporate a storage unit with television book storage etc. Lowering the soffit to keep one continuos wall from entry stairway to rear yard.
5. I would revise counter eating area as shown in plan view and make a place to put keys etc. next to counter eating space.

Frank

[img]readingnook.jpg[/img][img]fireplacereadingnook.jpg[/img]

Here are some last minute modifications of the area near the fireplace creating a reading nook using custom made cushions. It can double as an area to take a Saturday afternoon nap, watch some TV, or a place to sleep for those occasional unexpected overnight guests.

Frank

[img]thumbsmc790023.jpg[/img][img]thumbsmc790014.jpg[/img][img]thumbsmc790016.jpg[/img]

Here are some screening ideas for the entry and stairwell that allow light to pass through but give some visual privacy.

Frank

[img]thumbsdsc0943.jpg[/img][img]thumbsdsc0940.jpg[/img]

Here are some storage units for the study and/or as replacement for the entry closet. The book shelf could face the stairwell and add some room for guest reading materials. It could also be reconfigured as a unit to drop off keys, cell phones, etc.

Frances GF

[img]tvbench.jpg[/img]

Hi Li-Na,

For your media unit I had envisioned a long low peice, another Ikea image to illustrate this. The second part is the transition between your fireplace surround and this unit. I think this could be a simple narrow shelving unit, from your plan there is less than 12 inches depth here. Perhaps you know someone handy who can customize this for you. I would suggest this piece be the same height as the media unit in a matching or high contrast finithe sh.

The desk and bench in front is most probably a custom piece…that way every inch of space is utilized. No time or talent to draw this but simple straight lines and open underneath and of course a cushion and pillows on the bench.

Hope this helps.

Frank

[img]2_townhouseview1.jpg[/img][img]1_townhouseview2.jpg[/img][img]livingroom1.jpg[/img][img]livingroom2.jpg[/img]

My earlier post files appear to be too large and are “awaiting moderation” or something. In case they are lost in “internet limbo” here are some smaller jpeg files for review. There are a couple of options presented for the glass along the stairwell and the fireplace in the living room.

Frank

[img]entrystudy2.jpg[/img][img]1_3form.comglassorresinmaterials.jpg[/img]

Here is a reduced file size jpeg of the entry study with seating and storage. In addition here are some sample translucent wall panels made by 3 Form. Sorry about the duplication.

Frank

[img]dieclosed.jpg[/img][img]dieintermediate.jpg[/img][img]diebed.jpg[/img]

Here are some images of a variation on the reading nook sofa/bed I posted earlier. In case you do not want to go the the expense of modifying the floor level around the fireplace.

Stephane

Brad W,
Thanks for your alternate designs, we do appreciate the money saving ideas. ;) We’re probably going to go out and sneak a peak at our neighbours’ patio doors to see which way they open. We seem to think that everyone’s doors open the same way, so it’s possible that there wouldn’t be any code issues if we change the side that opens.

Frank,
That reading alcove is an interesting idea. We’re also mulling over alternate locations for the storage unit you posted and we do like those screens.

Frances,
Thanks for the additional information. We just wanted a clearer idea as to what you had in mind and the extra detail is just enough.

Thanks everyone for your submissions. Li-Na and I have been going over our space with a tape measure trying to map your floor plans out.

P.S.
Some of the posts in the thread seem to be missing. Are they referring to e-mails?

http://s John Brown

Hi Terri and Karli,
I think your files are too big to post on the site. You can send them to me in an email instead if your prefer…. john@slowhomestudio.com

Frances GF

[img]openstaircase.jpg[/img]

Hi Li-Na and Stephane,

I was looking over your posts for staircases, very nice. You do seem to like the open modern design…Is this something you would invest in for your condo?

This image is a completely open design set against a wall, your home’s condition. How far would you go? I think this is a great option for your space.

I know where you are coming from with regards to controlling TV noise and offering guest privacy, but look how great your main floor would look!

Stephane

A few quick comments before the live feed starts now that I can see some of the missing submissions. :)

Karli,
I think your concept for the entrance is closer to what we initially had in mind and might have just enough storage then we need.

Having a smaller love seat instead of a full-sized sofa is a definite possibility for us.

Frank,
Now that I’m able to see your full design, I must say there are quite a few interesting ideas. I’m not too sure about the position of the bench since it will probably be difficult to be sitting on the bench while opening the door. We might run into a few accidents during winter. ;)

I do like the use of glass to let the light in from the entrance office/nook into the rest of the house and the sliding door.

I don’t think we’d be able to raise the floor too much for the alcove. The troublesome fireplace has some sort of venting near the floor. We can look into changing the flooring instead.

I do like the idea of the symmetry in the alcove in the original design. I’m not sure if we want to block out the stairwell with a full wall. Lighting is at a premium for that stairwell as well.

Frances,
Li-Na’s been ogling similar stairs for a while. I do like how it creates a sense of openness. The issue with open stairs is maintaining privacy with the lower level.

Frank

Stephane:

I had considered putting the bench where the existing closet is and using the storage units I submitted in the study as the closet. Alternatively, I thought about putting it adjacent to the kitchen wall and entering the study near the front door.

Mid America Mom

[img]ottawatown.jpg[/img]

Furniture solutions- Ikea Canada. Entry secretary and tuck under storage bench on side wall. Cabinet under the kitchen pass through.

Living area has a slipped covered loveseat and swivel chair.

_________
Not able to find an image of new glass stair. I thought a built in (sorry I am not good at creating this stuff) that was from the fireplace to about 4 feet in front of the stair would be good. Not deep- like a foot.

If I find an image I like on any of this I will post.

Mid America Mom

http://www.FloydDesign.ca TomE

http://www.ottawapowdercoating.com/customwork.htm

http://www.FloydDesign.ca TomE

http://www.rmlpowder.com/index.html
One more powder coater

Matthew North

Hello MAM! I have missed you this week on the site so I am happy that you posted a solution! I think you did a great job with your collage and I think the idea of using IKEA furniture is brilliant and very affordable – I particularly like the burst of color with the orange chair. Great scheme!

PS – I also responded to your post on the 100K house site this week – I think their site is great and they have started to follow Slow Home on Twitter – PostGreen and housebrand are kindred spirits and I know you comment a lot over there so I am going to follow your lead and comment there as well!

Matthew North

Tom E – you are a resource guru! Nice work!

Li-Na

I wanted to apologise if Stephane and I seemed to be ignoring some of your posts. Several submissions didn’t show up for us until just before the chat and we didn’t realise there were missing ones until Karli referred to a previous post that hadn’t shown up yet.

Thank you for all your submissions, you really raised the bar on coming up with designs for our space.

Like I mentioned in the chat, my mind’s kind of buzzing with all the possibilities right now. :) I’ll have to take some time to digest everything!

Mid America Mom

Sorry I missed the chat. Halloween weekend! I hope to respond to the chat post.

Thanks Matthew. I like looking over at Postgreen. The Avant Garage plan they have now has a much better master bath than originally proposed now if they could just ditch the idea of CORK floors! (now tell me how are you supposed to clean that well? I am not Cinderella!).

On to today. An “unmatched” chair with character is something that I think everyone should try at least once. Since I found the retail environment in Canada limiting compared to US (where to look online – sears was blah!) I felt that IKEA would be easy to work with since they always post dimensions and pictures of their products.

Mid America Mom

Now must be my word of the day!

English Prof’s need not point out all my flaws..

Mid America Mom

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Ottawa Townhouse Redesign Briefing

Design Materials

Recent Comments

Resources

About

Other Info

We Accept