Multipurpose Historical Renovation
This 100-year-old bungalow, which had been stripped down to the studs, is now a model of how to integrate workspace into a home.
In a neighborhood of small historical bungalows, this 100-year-old property that was once stripped down to its studs is now a combination residence/workplace, with the office cleverly integrated into the living space. The project’s three interconnected needs were to create a fluid and elegant home for both living and working, complete a historical restoration that adheres as closely to the original as possible, and accommodate a child with special needs.
Architect Jay Corder allowed the home’s existing compartmentalized spaces to work to the renovation’s advantage, layering in the office functions unobtrusively. A surface area with a high counter tucked into the living room is actually a reception desk. The living room doubles as an office lobby, while the dining room, separated by glass doors, provides a private conference room. Storage concealed in the hallway’s wood paneling hides office documents. The kitchen functions as the center of activity and as a staff gathering space, and the bedrooms are bright, sunlit offices.
The new upstairs spaces include the primary bedroom and bath suite as well as a child’s playroom and bedroom. The lower level of the house, originally just a small coal cellar room and crawlspace, was dug out to be a fully furnished family room, bedroom, laundry, and owner’s entry. Overall, a new model has been achieved for what is possible when rethinking traditional workplace structures and employment scenarios that better accommodate a balance between home and office.
Architect Jay Corder Architect; Travis Habersaat, project architect; jaycorder.com
Builder Becky Fuller Homes, beckyfullerhomes.com
Location Austin, Texas
Photos Andrea Calo
From Fine Homebuilding #317
RELATED STORIES