Step Up Your Split-Level Spec House
Three off-the-rack split-level homes, three dramatically different renovations. Let your favorite be your guide
Bud Dietrich, AIA
February 25, 2012
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin. Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there.
Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having been featured on television (CBS News Sunday Morning, HGTV, CLTV, etc.), in magazines (Better Homes...
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa... More
It's no surprise that most Americans live in houses built from standard plans. There are good reasons for this, the most significant of which is to keep house prices low. Most people just don't have the resources to build a custom home.
There are downsides to spec houses, of course. Adaptations to the standard plan to accommodate variations in building lots and family dynamics often aren't possible. Nuances of views and specific family living patterns can be lost in the drive to keep costs down.
But as these houses age there exists the real possibilities of transforming them in significant ways. Each upgrade to windows, siding, plumbing, kitchens and bathrooms offers an opportunity to tailor each house to fit each site and the homeowners' needs and wants.
Here are three such houses, all of the split-level variety. All appear to be originally built from standard plan sets, but each has undergone a significant transformation. In the process of remodeling these split-level houses, each has become more efficient and more enjoyable — less house and more home.
There are downsides to spec houses, of course. Adaptations to the standard plan to accommodate variations in building lots and family dynamics often aren't possible. Nuances of views and specific family living patterns can be lost in the drive to keep costs down.
But as these houses age there exists the real possibilities of transforming them in significant ways. Each upgrade to windows, siding, plumbing, kitchens and bathrooms offers an opportunity to tailor each house to fit each site and the homeowners' needs and wants.
Here are three such houses, all of the split-level variety. All appear to be originally built from standard plan sets, but each has undergone a significant transformation. In the process of remodeling these split-level houses, each has become more efficient and more enjoyable — less house and more home.
The Streetside View
Split number one, like each of the three homes, is configured with a main level at one side and a two-story section at the other. The exterior has been completely transformed, giving hints to the dynamic and light-filled spaces within.
Split number one, like each of the three homes, is configured with a main level at one side and a two-story section at the other. The exterior has been completely transformed, giving hints to the dynamic and light-filled spaces within.
Split number two retains much of its original look and feel from the front, or street, side. But wait until you see what happens in back!
Split number three is less about an explosion of form and more about calmness and serenity. Very few changes were made to the original structure, to keep the appearance in line with its fellow neighborhood splits.
The View from the Back
Split number one has the back side all open with big windows and doors, creating a seamless transition from inside to out.
Split number one has the back side all open with big windows and doors, creating a seamless transition from inside to out.
Split number two explodes with additions of different forms on its back side. What appears to be a modest set of changes at the front gives way to a riot of new construction at the back.
Split number three expands the living space to the outdoors with large glass doors connecting the main living area to the patio. New and seamless connections between interior and exterior are common to all three homes.
The Additions
Split number one appears to have all of its added space at the front, making it apparent to anyone passing by.
Split number one appears to have all of its added space at the front, making it apparent to anyone passing by.
Split number two keeps its additions at the back, exploring a different dynamic altogether.
Split number three attempts to blend any addition seamlessly into the original.
The Interior-Exterior Relationship
In split number one a row of sliding glass doors leads from the kitchen and adjoining rooms out to a deck that stretches out all along the back of the home. These doors bring abundant natural light into the interior while allowing for the barefoot lifestyle many people cherish now.
In split number one a row of sliding glass doors leads from the kitchen and adjoining rooms out to a deck that stretches out all along the back of the home. These doors bring abundant natural light into the interior while allowing for the barefoot lifestyle many people cherish now.
Split number two connects inside and outside through the expanded living space. As with the other splits, large glass doors seamlessly blend in and out.
In split number three a corner of glass windows and doors connects inside and outside. The height of these elements (more than 10 feet) creates an almost completely open corner and light-filled space.
The Stairs
Directly inside the front door are the stairs that connect all of the levels in a split. And each level is only half a flight away from the adjoining level. In split number one all the wall openings, the light and the linear pattern of rails and treads create a dynamic and rich spatial experience.
Directly inside the front door are the stairs that connect all of the levels in a split. And each level is only half a flight away from the adjoining level. In split number one all the wall openings, the light and the linear pattern of rails and treads create a dynamic and rich spatial experience.
In split number three the stone surfaces, iron railing and wall of pictures create a more subdued and traditional space.
The Main Level
The main levels of split level houses can be wonderfully spacious and bright, as here at split number one. The space of the room carries over the rails, up into the tall ceiling and beyond the surrounding walls. A feeling that each and every room of the home is interconnected is created.
The main levels of split level houses can be wonderfully spacious and bright, as here at split number one. The space of the room carries over the rails, up into the tall ceiling and beyond the surrounding walls. A feeling that each and every room of the home is interconnected is created.
In split number two the blonde wood elements tie the rooms and parts together as the space travels around corners, and the skylight bathes the interior with light. The result: a simultaneous feeling of being distinct and separate while being connected and one.
In split number three the large rectangular space of the main level can be viewed from the balcony of the upper level. From this vantage point there is a feeling of quiet repose in lieu of dynamic spatial interaction.
The Kitchen
All the kitchens were completely redone. Split number one got a galley kitchen.
All the kitchens were completely redone. Split number one got a galley kitchen.
Split number two uses a middle space between family rooms and other living spaces.
The kitchen in split number three, a more traditional design, takes up a corner of the main level and is used as a space to entertain in.
The Home Office
These homes are large enough to incorporate a home office. Split number two's is connected to the outdoors for when the deskbound need a breath of fresh air.
These homes are large enough to incorporate a home office. Split number two's is connected to the outdoors for when the deskbound need a breath of fresh air.
The home office at split number three is on the upper level in a space that could, for a different family, be a child or guest bedroom. Large windows and a vaulted ceiling keep the office bright and cheery even without direct access to the outdoors.
The Bathroom
The bathrooms were also renovated and expanded. The modernist aesthetic so evident throughout the renovation of split number one is carried into this bath as well.
The bathrooms were also renovated and expanded. The modernist aesthetic so evident throughout the renovation of split number one is carried into this bath as well.
Split number two's is in keeping with its Eastern-inspired renovation.
And split number three follows the traditional style seen throughout the rest of the home.
Tell us: Have you remodeled a split-level house? Share your story in the Comments below.
More:
Home Styles: Split Personality
Tell us: Have you remodeled a split-level house? Share your story in the Comments below.
More:
Home Styles: Split Personality
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