DESIGN & BUILD

Bungalow Rennovation

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A short story of the design and build work I’ve done in Austin and what I've learned along the way.

THE KITCHEN
When I purchased my home, a closed in galley kitchen with old cabinets and exposed washer and dryer was at the center of the floor plan. I knew immediately I needed to open it up to create more flow between the kitchen, where I love to entertain, and

When I purchased my home, a closed in galley kitchen with old cabinets and exposed washer and dryer was at the center of the floor plan. I knew immediately I needed to open it up to create more flow between the kitchen, where I love to entertain, and the rest of the home.

I sketched various configurations of the kitchen to envision the future before we started demolition, and to refine the shelving design. I find that building my plans in SketchUp before I get started helps me work through the unknowns.

I sketched various configurations of the kitchen to envision the future before we started demolition, and to refine the shelving design. I find that building my plans in SketchUp before I get started helps me work through the unknowns.

Under construction – I removed cabinets, soffits, and with the help of my Dad, we removed three walls and relocated gas and electrical lines. Once the walls were out, I built a new cabinet and countertop.

Under construction – I removed cabinets, soffits, and with the help of my Dad, we removed three walls and relocated gas and electrical lines. Once the walls were out, I built a new cabinet and countertop.

The kitchen now is open and airy. After living without shelves for a year I sourced local, reclaimed pecan and milled the shelves myself.

The kitchen now is open and airy. After living without shelves for a year I sourced local, reclaimed pecan and milled the shelves myself.

THE PORCH
The original wood porch was an awkward layout and slowly rotting – a metal railing and large bench defined the space but didn't allow for open movement, and the low wood wasn't allowing for proper drainage

The original wood porch was an awkward layout and slowly rotting – a metal railing and large bench defined the space but didn't allow for open movement, and the low wood wasn't allowing for proper drainage

Through many iterations of sketches I landed on the scale and dimensions of the porch-to-be, then I enlisted the help of a builder to draft the plans for permitting

Through many iterations of sketches I landed on the scale and dimensions of the porch-to-be, then I enlisted the help of a builder to draft the plans for permitting

After removing the original porch we realized there were major issues with rot in the foundation, so before the new slab could be poured we did some much-needed repair

After removing the original porch we realized there were major issues with rot in the foundation, so before the new slab could be poured we did some much-needed repair

Framing construction had stops and starts as wood supply shrunk during the pandemic.

Framing construction had stops and starts as wood supply shrunk during the pandemic.

After over a year of intermittent building, we have a (nearly) finished screened porch. The cedar feels warm and cabin-like, and extends the 900 square-foot home with another 240sqft of living areas. Next up is finalizing the electrical and installin

After over a year of intermittent building, we have a (nearly) finished screened porch. The cedar feels warm and cabin-like, and extends the 900 square-foot home with another 240sqft of living areas. Next up is finalizing the electrical and installing a vintage fireplace for winter days. 

THE BACK YARD
When I purchased the house the backyard was practically forgotten

When I purchased the house the backyard was practically forgotten

By sketching the backyard, pool and garden, I worked through challenges in the sloped land — I focused on bringing dimensionality to the yard through tiered hardscaping and round shapes

By sketching the backyard, pool and garden, I worked through challenges in the sloped land — I focused on bringing dimensionality to the yard through tiered hardscaping and round shapes

I wanted to bring a stock tank in as a focal point of the yard, and because it's so hot in Texas the only way to relax is to swim

I wanted to bring a stock tank in as a focal point of the yard, and because it's so hot in Texas the only way to relax is to swim

Today, the hardscaping is done and the garden is full of life

Today, the hardscaping is done and the garden is full of life

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