When contracted to design a second floor on top of an existing ranch, we discovered an unknown thin panel structure. Inter-locking exterior panel-walls were the clues that traced the origins of this structure back to a temporary one-room schoolhouse from Sears & Roebuck. Because the structure was non-conforming to current zoning we resigned to working around, literally, the existing thin panels and inserted a frame capable of supporting a second floor platform. studio2sustain was able to work around the one room schoolhouse and double the living area while adhering to strict existing setback and height limitations. Using cantilevers, buttresses and large dormers we were able to undulate the masses to respect the scale and charm of the existing house, while celebrating the new expanded home and collection of spaces that emerged.
