Coates Design Architects | Knowles Residence

in Architecture by editor — 6:12 am | August 8, 20110 comments

This project, the Knowles Residence, goes well beyond a normal remodel – it’s a complete lifestyle correction – a TOTAL transformation from the small and uninviting home in which this family lived, to one that now has a heart, a center.

The existing house had no “heart” and no place to naturally congregate as a family or with friends. No one place in the house felt comfortable. We set out to remedy this with great momentum and ultimately, success.

Although it looks great now, it wasn’t all as easy as it sounds….early in the project we struggled with budget challenges and during construction we had many issues dealing with the poor condition of the existing infrastructure. One interesting thing about this process though, is that it was all being filmed by HGTV for their TV show, “My BIG Amazing Renovation” that aired on the network last year.

The Knowles family of five is an active, “picture perfect”, NW family. They chose Coates Design because of our modern aesthetic and dedication to sustainable design practices. Because of their budget constraints, the Knowles wanted to focus their funds on the sustainable design opportunities that provided the most direct benefit. Some of the features and materials include: radiant-floor heating HVAC retrofit, zero VOC paints and sealers, high-efficiency induction cook-top, recycled glass tile, recycled rubber flooring, reconstituted concrete countertops, FSC certified eucalyptus flooring, high efficiency lighting design, drought tolerant landscaping, and “iron wood” plank decking.