Jenifer St Residence

The transformation of this unfinished cellar space in a 1911 Washington, DC residence into a multi-use playroom, office, and laundry relies heavily upon defining zones of usage.  By organizing and integrating storage into contained volumes, the remaining space is freed to create an open and flowing plan. This 'swiss army knife' approach allows this busy family of four to quickly mask the clutter and mess of everyday life.  When entertaining, they are able to draw full-height, in-line sliding doors across the children's craft and homework area and across mom's office desk.  Treating the formerly damp space with a new bead board wood 'liner' permits the integration of insulation and perimeter drainage while allowing the existing stone foundation walls to remain exposed above the grade line.  Ceiling height was maximized by rerouting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing into a central line tucked above the main volume.  The existing joists are painted, but otherwise left exposed and up-lit to further the lofty, bright feel.  Custom millwork, resilient cork flooring and a copper-tile gas fireplace create a cozy family center for films and fun.