A crisp modern addition to a small house provides much needed open, flexible space and access to natural light and views for a growing family.

The addition is as tall and open as possible. A long island defines the flexible “great room”. A pocket door enables the breakfast/study nook to be closed or open.

The bright, open great room becomes the heart of the house. Pocket doors reveal an office nook (right). A mud room and pantry (back left) provide a functional access point from the garage.

The foyer’s connection to the great space is widened, while the small former living room is enclosed behind a minimal wall of built-in storage, providing a secluded den to balance the otherwise open plan.

A palette of grays and blacks complement and contrast with the existing house.

EXISTING PLAN: The kitchen and living areas in the existing floor plan were cramped and separated. The beautiful views to West and North are not visible from inside.

The glassy addition creates a large open living area that maximizes enjoyment of the wooded views to West and North.

Blowing out the whole West wall completely transforms the scale of the living areas, enabling the open, bright spaces the family was looking for.

BEFORE: Cramped kitchen and dining spaces with no flexible social areas.