The client wanted to keep the exterior's cottage look. Due to its history, this home is listed as a protected structure, which meant Doyle couldn't knock it down and had to work within its tiny footprint. But since the house had been remodeled in the 1960s, the interior could be changed dramatically.
The cottage has no front or back garden, and originally had only one tiny toilet that had to be accessed from the outdoors.
by DMVF Architects
The cottage has no front or back garden, and originally had only one tiny toilet that had to be accessed from the outdoors.
Traditional forms fall away inside, as you can see in these photos of the redesign, shot before the home was furnished and decorated.
The original layout had divided the house with a galley kitchen down the middle — right inside the entrance — with the bedroom on one side and a small living space on the other. The odd layout made the 280 square feet feel even smaller. The client wanted to maximize the space and light in the home.
by DMVF Architects
The original layout had divided the house with a galley kitchen down the middle — right inside the entrance — with the bedroom on one side and a small living space on the other. The odd layout made the 280 square feet feel even smaller. The client wanted to maximize the space and light in the home.
Doyle and his team removed the home's original low ceiling and inserted a plywood cube, each side with its own function. The kitchen takes up one side, access to the shower room is around the corner, a sleeping loft sits on the top, and this side holds storage and a small utility space. "It became apparent very quickly during the design process that every last inch of space needed a specific purpose and dedicated use," says Doyle.
by DMVF Architects
BEFORE: Water pouring in through a leaky roof caused damage throughout the home. Unoccupied for the past 10 years, the house had no functioning gas or electric system. The kitchen was terribly outdated — an awkward mix of tastes and styles from different eras.
Fisherman's Cottage
AFTER: The rear side of the cube now holds the kitchen and additional storage. The railing above opens to the bedroom at the top of the cube, which faces rear windows and skylights. Nothing exists from the previous kitchen — sleek cabinetry, durable countertops and modern appliances now make up a simple space that works perfectly for a second home.
by DMVF Architects
Because the cottage had been left unoccupied and in a terrible state for so long, it was difficult for the client to envision how the interior could become livable. While she wanted it to be comfortable and full of light, she didn't have any preferences stylewise, so Doyle and his team were essentially left with a blank slate.
by DMVF Architects
BEFORE: The original living space was outdated and suffering from severe water damage. Wallpaper peeled from the walls, and old linoleum covered the floors.
Fisherman's Cottage
AFTER: Even though the cube takes up about half of the floor space in the house, it allots far more living space than the original divided layout did. "This project was about working from the minimum upwards," says Doyle. "We looked at the minimum size of each of the elements or functions, and allocated space to them after that."
by DMVF Architects
Stairs built into the plywood cube lead up to the sleeping platform.
The home's small size made work challenging for the construction team, particularly with no exterior garden to retreat to. Doyle had to make sure that only a couple people were in the home at the same time, so construction could be safe and efficient.
by DMVF Architects
The home's small size made work challenging for the construction team, particularly with no exterior garden to retreat to. Doyle had to make sure that only a couple people were in the home at the same time, so construction could be safe and efficient.
A surprisingly spacious loft takes advantage of the cottage's sloped ceilings. Large skylights let in afternoon and evening light but keep the room from becoming too bright in the morning. Closet and storage space built into the wall eliminates the need for a dresser or wardrobe.
by DMVF Architects
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This is an amazing renovation.
It is easy to have a fabulous home if you have a credible decorator, thousands of feet to decorate along with an unlimited budget.
The dropped floor in kitchen is an absolute for this to work?i wish the dimensions were posted.thank you. Great job!!