The homeowners wished to remodel their family room to take advantage of their lakeside view and address structural deficiencies. Their family room was not designed for an expansive view with a shed roof. We created this view by designing a gable roof and installing large windows. Before renovating, both the floors and ceiling sagged dangerously. We restructured the floor and rectified the framing when we built the gable roof. We designed a clean, modern room that features both the lakeside view and a striking fireplace. The effect is stunning. Sometimes less is more, that is certainly true with this room.

1. CREATING A VISTA

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3. BEFORE & AFTER
Because this home is
picturesquely overlooking a
lake, it was clear that we
needed maximum use of glass
to take advantage of the view.
To achieve this, we removed
the framing of the shed roof
and replaced it with a gable
roof facing the lake. This
created the opportunity to
install operable windows with
dramatic fixed glass.
The difference is truly striking!
Originally, the
shed roof sloped
down to a height
of less than 8’ on
the lake side.
The six original
narrow casement
windows both
disrupted the
view and blocked
the light.
Note how dark
the room is.
We installed
these large
windows that
emphasize the
new gable roof.
This was both a
structural and
aesthetically
pleasing solution
that increased
the value of the
home.

4. BEFORE & AFTER
The mock ceiling beams were not structural, and along
with the paneling, had an obvious fake look. The cornice
above the windows even lowered the window wall more.
The stained maple trim and hardwood
floors add warmth and complement the
view of the lake.

5. BEFORE & AFTER
The overall traffic
flow in the room
has been greatly
improved.
Old-fashioned
paneling and
bookcases were
stripped from
walls, which now
have a clean,
modern look.
We love the new
view from the
windows facing
the kitchen!
Note: the walls originally
appeared busy and short
due to the paneling and
bookcases.

6. FEATURES: LIGHTING & MAPLE TRIM
Originally, there was a large, heavy chandelier in
the middle of the room that provided inadequate
lighting and aggravated the structural issues.
The room now has an interesting modern
chandelier, sconces, and recessed cans.
Original
chandelier
Note:
maple
trim
milled
on site.

7. OBSTACLES
Kept wall above fireplace
simple to emphasize
fireplace and mantle
details
The original ceiling sagged due to inadequate lumber sizing and species selection. With the services of a professional engineer, we
built a new roof design, and provided proper structural support to the flooring.

8. OBSTACLES
We restructured
the floor system.
Note the additional
floor joists.
The original carpeted floor sagged
and had obvious dips. In fact, prior
to this renovation, our engineer
recommended that our clients not
host any large parties in this room;
he felt the existing framing
exceeded its span capacity.

9. OBSTACLES
One of the main challenges came from renovating while the family
was still occupying the home. Our biggest concerns were with
safety and guarding the home from the elements once we
removed the roof.
This room is on the second level and therefore major structural
work needed to be transferred below and to solid footings.
We also had to navigate around the difficulty of restructuring the
floor while a finished room lay beyond.
The homeowners informed us that the old HVAC system was
always inadequate for the room and needed to be replaced. The
volume of the new room certainly necessitated more advanced
considerations for comfort in the room. However, when the floor
joists were added we lost the ability to have unobstructed duct
passage. We had to reconsider ductwork entirely.

10. AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS
By raising the original side walls of the room, and still remaining in the original
footprint of the home and the room, we were able to create a beautiful vaulted
ceiling and showcase a magnificent view of the lake.

11. SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP
The original, old-fashioned,
stonework fireplace looked as if
it had been glued onto the wall.

12. The wall above the fireplace
has been kept simple and
clean to better showcase the
hearth and marble fireplace
box.
This natural gas, linear direct vent
fireplace offers 42,000 BTUs of heat,
is remotely controlled for ease of
operation, and includes a glass media
set, as well as rock and driftwood.