In the summer of 2020, a client for whom I had designed an addition to his primary residence, contacted me to ask if I had any interest in looking at another house he owns. I thought about the opportunity but hesitated for a moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ultimately, I decided, yes, I’d help.

The project is a little Victorian-era cottage built in 1890. This house definitely needed some love. Over the years, the 875 square foot, one-story house had been modified into three bedrooms, one bathroom, with kitchen, and living area. Two of the bedrooms were built into a rear porch addition no more than 19 feet wide and 10 feet in depth. I think the ceiling in there was about 7 feet high.

The program for Miera Two was to modernize and expand the house to accommodate the client’s grandson, and his young family. Through the addition of a second story, the concept accommodates a master bedroom suite, two additional bedrooms with a shared bathroom on the second floor. The first floor open plan holds the kitchen, pantry, toilet, living area, and a small office space.

The zoning was a bit challenging on this one. The lot is narrow at 25 feet wide, and the city requires new construction to set back a minimum of 3 feet from the side property lines. The height is limited to 30 feet. Working together, the clients and I were able to develop a solution that realized the program, while respecting the historic structure, and the streetscape.

We expect construction to conclude in spring 2022.