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ArchDC Summer 2018.qxp_Summer 2018 5/25/18 2:13 PM Page 33

View from the deck, with the new kayak-lined fence in the background.

section includes full glazing on each end, a continuous skylight “My favorite element of this project is the glass zone between
above, and a backlit translucent glass floor.” The arrangement the old rear wall and the exterior steel framework,” Colbert said.
“extends two feet beyond the edge of the masonry opening from the “Standing in this area gives one the feeling of being outside. All
existing house into the addition, and the exterior brick of the house the houses to the west of mine were built by one company using a
forms the interior finished wall at this location. The combination of similar plan, and the rear walls of these houses all align. The open
these elements gives one the feeling of being outside.” slot in the addition takes advantage of the distant view along the
A metal stair leads from the deck down to the yard, passing rear of the adjacent houses enabled by that alignment.”
by the lower level of the addition, which provides some additional Given the generously sized rear yard, Colbert said, “there was
storage space on the house’s basement level. A few additional paved little limitation on the potential size of the kitchen addition. Early
steps complete the transition to the gently sloped yard space. design schemes were considerably larger. Discipline was required
“A new dark-charcoal-colored fence was installed around the to provide a functional solution that is in keeping with the scale of
rear yard,” Colbert said. “On one side of the fence, the posts were the existing house.” For homeowners considering their own
designed to support brackets for kayak storage. These colorful kitchen renovation projects, he added, a key point is that “careful
boats, floating in front of the dark fence, create a sculptural effect.” planning can result in a design that is highly functional without a
When done well, a kitchen renovation is a small-scale project significant size increase.”
that can have a big impact on a home. But sometimes, that impact
is best measured in quiet moments of satisfaction and enjoyment.

COOKING (WITH) LIGHT 33