PROBLEM:

80-year-old widow; lives by herself without nearby family in small two-level Cape Cod situated on an otherwise sizeable lot

Wants to add square footage and implement an aging-in-place strategy that will enable her to live out her days in residence with dignified self-sufficiency. [This includes relocating the laundry from the basement to a TBD 1st floor space.]

Specifically seeking family room; substantially larger master bedroom suite; yet wishes to maintain scale and ambiance of the Cape Cod original

Plan calls for reconfiguring existing space while adding space to the rear and the side

SOLUTIONS:

Remove metal bearing wall between dining room and bedroom; reroute ductwork

Remove rear elevation bearing wall [shift loads to microlam supported by vertical steel I-beams
            Remove small closet
            Reroute ducting

Two small first floor bedrooms convert to, respectively: a) study with built-ins bookcases and b) hallway leading to existing bath, relocated laundry and large-walk-in closet that segues to master bedroom in new addition.

Widen every doorway into the newly built suite for better accessibility.

28’ x 29’ rear addition apportioned between new family room and new master bedroom

Family room (14’ x 29’) and adjacent Master bedroom (14’ x 29’) features cathedral ceiling, skylights, recessed lights;
French door with top transom leading to back deck

Space for flat screen TV and equipment

match and extend hardwood flooring into new addition

relocate side windows
           
multiple entrances from outside to inside with wide openings for accessibility.

double sided glass fireplace between Family Room and Master Bedroom

12’ x 13’ master bathroom wing equipped with whirlpool bath; walk-in shower, double vanity (handicap accessible bath with bath grab bar)

create wheelchair-accessible

Install French door on the rear elevation that makes it easier for access and back deck