The Beard Residence
Nashville, Tennessee
Guided by the homeowner's wish that their new space feel like a converted attic, not “just a bunch of boxes,” we explored options for expansion. After studying the small site, we decided to go up, rather than out. The new space is enclosed by a steeply pitched roof over the main living area with the boy's bedrooms having matching dormer window configurations. As you go further from the street, the detailing of the house simplifies in an attempt to have the house appear to have grown over time. Board and batten siding in combination with clapboards further enhance this evolutionary design approach.
Inside the house, we radically changed the layout of the lower level; one bedroom and the front living room were combined and a stair inserted in the corner of the now much larger living space. On the landing of the new stair, a tall window expands your view and brings daylight into both floors of the home. At the top of the stair, a large family room and playroom greet you with large north-facing windows fitted with comfortable window seats. Doors and transom windows taken from the owner's grandmother's home were used in the new bedroom and bathroom, giving more character to the space. The guest bedroom doubles as the owner's craft room and sanctuary for quiet reading and meditation. Each of the boy's rooms have a shelf integrated into the window moulding for favorite items. High windows in the bathroom let in light while not sacrificing privacy.
