Birmingham Renovation

This home owner decided to transform their existing home, which included purchasing the neighboring property to the south and adding onto the home. For budget reasons, it was critical to keep the existing basement foundation, first- and second-floor perimeter walls, and roof. The new design kept consideration of those items, as well as the staircase location and general shape.

Upon entering the home, one is drawn axial through the foyer past a bar/beverage space and stair hall into the main kitchen/dining space, which opens seamlessly into a cozy screened-in loggia with fireplace and views to the pool and backyard. A two-story family room anchors the house.

The four-bedroom, 4,100-sf house is clad in natural cedar siding and accented with large brackets and classic trim details, creating a timeless look. Restrictive city ordinances came into play, with strict lot coverage requirements (30 percent max), garage restrictions (garages must occupy less than 50 percent of front façade, set back from front building line by 5 feet minimum ), setbacks (which are set by an average of 200 feet  in each direction of adjacent properties) and height requirements of 30 feet  maximum .