House Reimagined // Bernbaum/Magadini Architects

For Bernbaum/Magadini Architects, the challenge was to convert an unfriendly two-story residence, walled off and its back turned to its neighborhood, into an inviting family home.

The clients considered adding square footage to the first floor for a master suite so they could “gracefully age in place.” But as the program developed and the options were weighed, a creative design solution allowed the design team to reimagine the existing space. The architects realized that the first floor had sufficient area to convert its unused spaces to meet the clients’ new program.

The design team converted the garage shop into a study and utility area, which in turn allowed the existing study and exercise room to be converted into the first-floor master suite. This design, without adding square footage, saved time and expense as well as preserved the backyard pool court.

The architects visually softened the interiors by removing industrial lighting and acoustical ceiling panels throughout the residence. The interior finishes were upgraded and custom furniture was designed for the owners’ suite to conceal a pop-up television. The introduction of LED lighting completed the reimagined interiors.

The exterior facades were updated with G90 Paint Grip horizontal siding, refreshed stucco, and glass and metal overhead garage doors to give the home a contemporary feel. The landscape architect used similar materials to coordinate with the new exterior finishes. The landscape and the contemporary exterior combined to make an inviting, neighborhood-friendly project.

Architectural Design Team: Bruce Bernbaum, AIA; Patricia Magadini, AIA; Nolan Harbert; and Zack Copeland, AIA
Contractor: Attaway Homes
Interior Design: Delaney Warren Interiors
Landscape Architect: Bonick Landscaping
Lighting Designer: JCM Lighting
Structural Engineer: Jensen Engineering
Completed: 2020
Square footage: 4,776 A/C
Photography: Charles Davis Smith, FAIA