2023 Home of the Month Look Book

Home of the Month
Selected Project
Photos: Alyssa Lee Photography
Pop the Top | Remodel & Addition
A young family of four hired the architecture firm to “pop the
top” of their tiny one-story bungalow from 1924. The clients
loved their neighborhood but were bursting at the seams during
the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a work-from-home
lifestyle.
Key to this project was capitalizing on an odd “missing tooth”
of space on the south side of the existing home. Construction
costs were minimized by not disrupting the first-floor layout.
No new foundation walls were needed because the new stair floor framing could span from either side of the
existing “wings.” The new second level begins with a sunny common space for playing instruments and other shared
activities. This space connects a large family bathroom, three bedrooms, and a laundry room. During the partialdemolition
process, the owners looked at their worn and dated kitchen and decided to remodel this space as part
of the project. The team embarked on an expedited design process to make the kitchen as vibrant and fresh as the
exterior. Dark wood lower cabinets, light wood upper cabinets, and a blue tile backsplash combine for a fun space to
gather, while a south-facing square window brings light to a new breakfast nook.
Christopher Strom Architects
christopherstrom.com • hello@christopherstrom.com
Design team: Christopher Strom, AIA; Eric Johnson, AIA
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