High Light—Design Awards 2015 Gold, Whole-House Under $300,000

Whole-House Under $300,000

Colorado Sunroom & Window, Denver

Architect: Doug Walter, Godden | Sudik Architects

Project goals: A total makeover of a tired, worn 1960s ranch that would redefine its spaces and appearance and take advantage of the backyard views and natural light.

Challenges: Old bushes obscured the front, where the most distinctive features were a prominent garage door and two false, over-framed gables.

The roof over the living room was sagging, and the room itself was tight and isolated from the rest of the house.

At one end of the home was a cheaply built sun porch that blocked the small family room from views. The kitchen was dark, dated, and closed off from the living and family rooms.

Solutions: The failing section of the roof was cut away and a belvedere now floats above the main ridge. The old living room is now a great room distinguished by the belvedere, which brings in daylight from all four sides.

The wall separating the kitchen and front entry was removed to give the home a contemporary, loft-like flow. Two south-facing skylights flood the new kitchen with daylight. Another wall was removed to create an open breakfast bar.

A 12-foot sliding door opens to a new rear patio that overlooks a nearby lake. The sun porch and tiny family room were replaced by a master suite.

What the judges said: “Who would have thought this was an old, dated ranch home? By bringing more height into the living space, this once-tired ranch becomes a creative example of mid-century revival. The added exterior volume makes the home look more interesting while adding much-needed light to the interior.”

Rear, exerior, before the remodel (below)

A tired, worn 1960s ranch house gets a total makeover that redefines spaces and lets the sun shine in