Accessibility Renovation

Original Construction Date: 1982

Objective: Make existing tri-level home accessible for ageing owners.

Goals: Add an elevator shaft with a 3-stop elevator to the home, without diminishing the rustic wood appearance or windowed contemporary look.

 Narrative – An elevator design is selected that allows entry from each side and for a full-length observation window on the exterior wall.  The addition space fit into a natural enclosure at the rear of the home and provided access to the entry floor, mid-level living space and master bedroom.  An exterior sliding glass door to the deck is removed and a new door is located in the new exterior wall.

 Externally, the windows are aligned to allow an unobstructed view from the mid level location as the other elevations serve mainly as access points, while the mid location serves the main living space.  Safety glasses, observation lites, of the owners design are added to elevator doors for viewing.

 The exterior metal roof was matched and the Cyprus siding installed and stained to match. 

The owner selected a raised panel mahogany interior for the elevator cab, with brass trim.  Pecky cypress paneling was stained to match the first floor home interior.  All other interior wall ceiling and floor finishes were matched to the homes existing.  The interior of the elevator shaft is painted matt black to hide the working of the elevator unit itself.

 Traffic patterns for the home remained unchanged.  Lighting was added as needed to enhance visibility for the client.