For accessibility, the 1960 mid-century modern house was taken back to the studs to change the layout and eliminate all thresholds throughout the interior main-level spaces, as well as transitions to the exterior.
Charlie Silva takes Kevin O’Connor up on the roof to explore the different roof types and multiple pitches. At 1800 sq ft, a single roof surface will yield over 1100 gallons of water in an hour of rainfall. To manage this, Charlie and Tom Silva will recess a custom gutter with a downspout into the overhang. That downspout will eventually connect to the drainage system down by the foundation.
On the inside, small details like the lower height of bathroom fixtures and switch boxes and the higher height of receptacle boxes make a big impact on the goal of accessibility, allowing easier access from a wheelchair.
Kevin gets a tour of the house next door. The home is one of three next to each other that was designed and built by architect Bernard Lange, and one of two, including our project house that was redesigned by the current architect. Though the lower level and entryway have since been renovated, much of the original mid-century modern features, like the round sunken living room, terrazzo floors, and metal kitchen cabinets, have been preserved.
Next door, Charlie and Tom begin installation of the new energy-efficient double-pane windows, which replace the old single-pane plate glass ones.
Original Air Date: Nov 16, 2023, Season 45; Ep. 8 23:42
Products and resources from this episode
- Roofing manufacturer: GAF
- Roofing contractor: Robert L. Green, Inc. Roofing & Contracting
- Plumbing contractor: Bilo Plumbing & Heating
- Side trip: The Lange Family
- Expert architectural assistance: Ruhl Jahnes
- Framing contractor: TJ Berky Builders