THE UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE
2621 Bedrooms are in the walk-out basement
515-991-1300
This was kind of an upside down house Because all of the active living spaces were on the first floor and the walk-out basement was used for the sleeping quarters and access to the backyard. The rules that must be followed are that all bedrooms have to have windows that meet Egress standards if they are not in the ground level of the walk out.
PROBLEM
This project made a good use of the walk-out situation by having the guest room (A), the second bedroom (B), which is used as a work out room, and the primary bedroom (C), which was a spacious bedroom with passage (D) to the outdoors. This bedroom (C) had a separate bathroom (E).
The hallway (F) had a linen closet (G). The hall (F) had no natural light but was well lit with recessed lights.
The stairway (I) to the first floor was in the corner.
The homeowners wanted more closet space in the primary bedroom (C), more natural light, and access to a new terrace (J) so they could develop a nice outdoor space for themselves.
SOLUTION
We had to add about 8’ (J) to the end of the primary bedroom both for more light and to utilize the back area (L) for amenities. This bump out will have a roofline to consider and I made that work. They also have an option to add a roof trellis (K) beyond the addition.
A new bathroom was created next to a walk-in closet (N).
I surprised them by finding space for a laundry room (O) on this level.
This is a modest remodeling, but the homeowner was happy with the results.
Marcia Lyon is a professional residential remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the US and in Canada. Reach Marcia at 515-991-1300 or email at archimeatus@gmail.com Her website is www.creatingspacesdesign.com Her Substack column is available at MarciaLyon.Substack.com
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