Phase One. The 'swiss army knife' approach allows this busy family of four to quickly mask the clutter and mess of everyday life.

The transformation of an 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.

When entertaining, the family is able to draw full-height, in-line sliding doors across the children's craft and homework area and across mom's office desk.

Ceiling height was maximized by rerouting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing into a central line tucked above the main volume.

Custom millwork, resilient cork flooring and a copper-tile gas fireplace create a cozy family center for films and fun.

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. The existing joists are painted, but otherwise left exposed and up-lit to further the lofty, bright feel.

Phase Two. The transformation of an old garage into a family 'clubhouse.'

Too narrow for today’s automobiles, the re-imagined ‘garage’ maximizes spatial efficiency, making way for new uses that include gameroom, guestroom, garden shed and a ‘screen porch’ for the surrounding paved terrace and bar-b-que area

Studies of the roof. A new skylight, interior transoms and high dormer windows draw light deep into the space and create a visual connection through reciprocal windows in the main house kitchen.

Plan of the new 'garage'.

In additional to the new clerestory windows in the kitchen, the entry door was moved to align the interior bar/butler’s pantry with the new stone grill and terrace outside. New cascading wood stairs provide additional seating and ‘hang-space’ around the fire-pit. Painted wood siding, copper standing-seam and a connecting trellis create a transition to the more historic character of the main house, creating a contemporary setting complementary to the existing house for family activities, indoor and outdoor alike.

Stone pavers from the yard extend from outside in, creating a pavilion-like setting within the newly landscaped garden.

Multi-panel operable doors with a zero threshold and retractable full-width/height screen enhance a seamless material transition between interior and exterior.

A thickened rear wall condenses storage into a single cabinetry unit with an integral fold-out bed that allows for easy transition from clubhouse for the family’s two teens, to private guest suite for the in-laws.

A thickened rear wall condenses storage into a single cabinetry unit with an integral fold-out bed that allows for easy transition from clubhouse for the family’s two teens, to private guest suite for the in-laws.

A loft atop the garden shed storage volume provides a private reading nook.