A single-story ranch home in Fox Chapel, PA, was transformed into a 4500 square-foot two-story stunner under the design direction of Wade Weissmann Architecture.
THE EXTERIOR RESTORATION
The client was living in the home during the remodel, so to add the second story, we took off the entire existing roof in sections. Then, keeping everything weather tight, we framed the new floor and pitched roof as we went. To make the new exterior tie into the original brick as best as possible, our team infilled with matching brick, and introduced lap siding as an additional cladding material. We also covered the new roof with durable architectural shingles and installed an arched glass front door from Pinky’s Iron Doors.
SECOND FLOOR ADDITION
Now, the homeowners have a luxurious second story that houses the owner’s suite with a bedroom, his and her closets, and his and her bathrooms. His bathroom is dark and moody with a steam shower. Hers, by contrast, is bright and airy with a soaking tub.
We added an L-shaped stair column with custom steelwork by Mettle to bring the two floors together.
FIRST FLOOR RENOVATION
To complete the cottage’s transformation, we renovated a large majority of the first floor. The kitchen was outfitted with a whitewashed brick backsplash and a custom copper-wrapped plaster hood over the Wolf rangetop. On the opposite wall, a built-in double oven and an integrated refrigerator are surrounded by beautiful walnut cabinets.
For the maximum amount of functional square footage, we split the former indoor two-story sports court into two separate levels – an open great room on the main level and a basement gym underneath. The new great room features both rustic and modern details including red oak floors, a natural stone fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantle, and a buffet/bar with a built-in Sub Zero wine fridge and beverage center. Antique barnwood siding on the exterior ties the whole design together.
