SALA Architects Inc.

Designed by: Dale Mulfinger

Specifications

Square Footage

Total living area: 1,920
Total with basement: 2,928
Main Level: 1,008
Upper Level: 912
Basement: 1,008
Footprint: 52' 0" W x 38' 0" D

Rooms

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Master suite: Upper Floor

Attributes

Levels: 2
Parking: Garage
Number of car stalls: 2
Foundation:

Modifiable to:

Basement

Crawlspace, Pier, Slab

Lot type(s):

Modifiable to:

Flat

Narrow, Sloping

Features

• Rustic Style
• Away Room

• Open Plan
• Wood Floors

• Economical Shape
• Gas Fireplace

Description

Designed by architects Deb Kees and Dale Mulfinger, the clean lines and modest, efficient shape of September House was inspired by homes of late nineteenth century mid-western river towns. The steep roof pitch and the long lines of the board and batten style siding give the home a rustic look. They also emphasize the vertical dimension of the design, giving the home much more visual "presence" than you would expect from its modest size. Simple double hung windows are in keeping with the clean lines and rustic look of the design.

The interior of this home is designed with a more modern open floorplan, and one which places the kitchen at the heart of daily activity. Like the exterior, the interior preserves the rustic feel of the vernacular, but it also has a clean, elegant feel as well. Most of the interior surfaces are actually economical painted wood or gyp board. With the original home, bold colors and contrasting white painted trim were used to make these surfaces visually stand out. However, key features make use of beautiful warm toned pine, which in the case of the original home came mostly from reclaimed sources. Floors and trim details were also made from this beautiful light colored wood. They match the island countertop and the exposed wooden beams of the home. Beams and lowered ceiling soffits are used throughout the main level to add dimension to the 9 foot ceilings. The dropped soffits do double duty: Architecturally they define spaces without the need for view blocking internal walls, and they also house much of the home's heating and cooling ducts.

Outdoor living also happens on the main level, at the home's covered front porch and at the rear screen porch. There is a separate entry directly from the covered porch into a mudroom/laundry area. This area is easily converted into an air lock style entry, which is good both for energy efficiency reasons, and is something we always recommend in homes with an attached garage.

The upper level contains all three bedrooms, each efficiently nestled below the slope of the roof. All three bedrooms as well as the hallway have 9 foot ceilings in the center, that gently slope down at the sides. The master bedroom has a convenient walk-thru closet, and the bath has a large tub and walk-in shower. The home's other two bedrooms are quite large, given the overall modest size of the design. They share a common bath.

The lower level of the home contains a large unfinished recreation area. While most people modify the basement level to match their particular lot and their needs, provisions were made for an office/study area, and also a full bath on this level.

Although very much at home in a rural location, the relatively small footprint of September House makes it a good choice for many suburban settings as well. Its simple foundation lines and roof design made of engineered roof trusses (modified raised heel scissor) make it one of our more economical homes to construct. The home's thicker 2x6 walls and its modest overall size also make it easier to insulate well. It will be both more economical to build and to heat and cool than most modern homes.

Floor Plans

(click to enlarge and view measurements)