M.I.R. Special Constructions
BATHROOM
This Project was for a remodel of an existing 1950’s Bathroom which was to be used as a multifunctional facility by the family. It was the main Bathroom in the Residence for use by the family and guests and double as the children’s Bathroom where it was situated between the children’s Bedrooms.
The remodel retained the existing footprint and layout of the existing Bathroom but transformed all fixtures, cabinetry and finishes. The new Bathroom elements include a European styled low-flush toilet by Porcher, a Kohler tub w/ clear glass shower enclosure, Grohe showerhead and handheld shower, a new countertop mounted wide bowl sink by Duravit with wall mounted faucet by Dornbracht. Maple cabinetry consisted of three elements; a base unit raised 6” off the floor w/ chrome metal legs and rectangular hand hold cutouts for door and drawer access, a door, drawer and open shelf tower element at the Bathroom entry, and a storage element adjacent to the water closet w/ white laminate sliding glass doors for toiletry items and reading material. The three cabinetry elements were tied together w/ a gently curved solid surface countertop with a return alongside the toilet.
Three different tiles were used, a 12” square alternating hued tile at the tub/shower surround and wainscot, a 14” square set diagonally at the floor and a 12” square mosaic at the furred element that provides a backsplash and glazed backlit light shelf for the lavatory. A new skylight over the tub/shower, an electrically heated floor, coordinating towel and toilet paper holders and a combination of recessed and surfaced mounted lighting complement the detailing.
MAILBOX/ADDRESS and WALL SCULPTURE
A low horizontal landscape wall is built with Montana Slate and set in a dry-stack motif. A rusty heavy gage metal mailbox with plexiglass address sign is embedded into the top end of the wall. The plexiglass sign is bolted to a fin protruding from the top of the mailbox and sports stainless steel numbers.
The wall provides utilitarian functions of identity and mail collection and is rendered in a sculptural way. It also serves as a privacy screen from the street for users of the front yard patio.
A rusty metal wall sculpture is composed of heavy gage metal to match the Mailbox. The pieces’ vertical form was designed to conceal the masonry niche vacated when an electric meter was relocated. The angled horizontal component points the way to the new Entry Door and contains four circular cutouts on its upper surface, three of these provide openings for drop in glass hurricane-type candle holders while the fourth is intended for a teardrop shaped flower vase.
Together with the Mailbox/Address construct the Wall Sculpture were intended to celebrate the Entry procession from the street for the homeowners and guests.
FIREPLACE SURROUND, WOODBOX and SHELVES
An old brick fireplace has been re-imagined and incorporated into a new Living Room wall composition. The design features the existing masonry fireplace and new adjacent log caddy outfitted with blackened steel each surrounded by a projecting wall cloaked in steel-troweled Venetian plaster with integral color. The surround is topped with a mantle of soapstone and anchored to the floor with a soapstone hearth.
Built-in Maple Cabinets flank one side of the Fireplace. The base cabinets are fitted with doors inset with translucent glass panels while the upper units have open adjustable shelving that is scribed to the sloped ceiling.
A grid of Maple Panels completes the wall composition and serves to tie all the elements together. Each panel is fixed to the wall with Stainless Steel screw-caps and separated from one another with ½” recessed plastic laminate strips.
OFFICE CABINETS and LIBRARY with ROLLING LADDER
A bank of Cherry Cabinets highlights an entire wall of this Basement Level Study/Guest Room. The Lower Cabinets are punctuated with knee-space openings intended for two computer/desk stations. Drawer hardware has been eschewed on these lower cabinets in favor of scalloped cutout finger grips.
The Upper Cabinets alternate between doors with translucent glass and open shelving. These doors are fitted with pulls fabricated from folded leather straps attached with brushed chrome brackets. A stainless steel tube spans the entire length of the Upper Cabinets which provides the track for a sliding Library Ladder. The Ladder is composed of Cherry rails and steps to match the cabinetry and includes rubberized floor wheels.
ENTRY SHELVES
Naturally finished fir shelving warms and personalizes the Entry. Every other shelf aligns with and attaches itself to an adjacent horizontal window mullion. The shelves are fitted with tapered skirts that match the form of the Metal Wall Sculpture just outside the Entry Door. These skirts help to conceal indirect cabinet lighting on the bottom of each shelf.
The shelves are filled with pictures from family and friends and offer a unique and personal tribute to all those who leave or enter the house.
MUDROOM BENCH and SHOE CUBBY
A new Mudroom situated between the new Entry and Garage is appointed with a slatted Maple Bench and angled backrest. A gridded bank of shoe cubbies rises from the top of the backrest and helps to keep the families shoes in order.
The Mudroom is a practical and functional architectural feature especially in the wet environment of the Northwest. The Architect seeks to include it as a common Programmatic element in each of his Project’s space permitting.
