Situated on an irregular, narrow lot in an older suburban neighborhood, this newly constructed home was designed as a downsize opportunity for owners looking for a pied a terre in Birmingham. Designed without a variance, the home pays respect to its Tudor revival neighbors both in material and scale, with a front volume designed with battered piers and a steeply sloped roof, meeting zoning regulations for height limitations at the side setbacks of the property. A series of discreet, connected volumes organized around an interior courtyard solves the design challenge of natural light on a narrow lot, and the resulting spaces feel open and airy, each with physical and visual access to the beautifully landscaped property.
Interior and exterior materials also help tell the story of the home: a modern interpretation of a traditional tudor cottage typical of the area. Artisan brick with a reflective finish catches the morning light and brightens the facade without the use of paint, limestone detailing recalls traditional homes in the neighborhood, and a unified soft palette of finishes at the interior provides a backdrop for the connected, light-filled space. The house also makes use of all of it’s square footage, with plentiful built-ins, floor to ceiling cabinetry in the kitchen, and hidden rooms and storage tucked away behind a breezeway finished in oak paneling.
The home is also designed with accessibility features in mind. Minimal steps are required for entry into the home, with two main level bedroom suites, each incorporating features such as curbless showers, blocking for future grab bars should they be needed, and wider doors for easy entry.
