Sarah Susanka’s ‘not so big’ design ideas for the post-recession economy

5. Stairway at the Rear

Why is it that we tend to place the stairway in the front foyer, close to the main entry?  The stairway looks like an invitation to explore the second floor, when in fact that’s usually the last place in the house we want our visitors to go.  What about placing the stairway at the back of the house, away from the more public spaces, so that it’s clearly just for household members? 

In the Not So Big Showhouse, because the lot is so narrow, the implementation of this design strategy also allowed the main living spaces to feel more connected to one another.  A stairway across from the front entry would have separated the kitchen and dining areas from the main living spaces, which would likely have meant that the household would be divided between the two, and unable to communicate easily with one another. 

6. Private Outdoor Space above the Garage

When a house and attached garage occupy most of the available property, as is the case throughout this community, the roof of the garage provides an excellent opportunity for an “up in the air” back yard.  Because of the narrow lots, adjacent houses are close, making garden space that’s down on the ground both dark and cave-like.  One storey up, though, is a different matter.  Here there’s good access to both daylight and breezes. 

But to make such a space work, it’s important to provide some containment at the back of the area, so that it doesn’t fall off into the alley behind. Here, a thick wall has been added to provide the needed separation from the alley.  It also provides a location both for the HVAC equipment, as well as some much-needed storage for furnishings during the winter months.

7. An Away Room for Easy Aging In Place

An away room is a space that can serve multiple functions, providing a quiet place to retreat to when other members of the household are watching TV or conversing; and alternatively to contain noisy activities such as kids playing video games or the like.  It is ideally located just off the main living space, with glass doors that allow for visual access, but acoustical separation.

But an away room can serve another important role by providing a future main level bedroom, should it ever be necessary for the homeowners to live on one level.  In this home, in addition to its acoustical separation functions, the away room serves as a guest bedroom and in home office.  There’s a full bathroom across the hall just off the mudroom, with a sliding door that hides the shower, making it feel more like a powder room on a daily basis.  Should one level living become necessary though, with minor remodeling this bathroom can be made wheelchair accessible (see diagram), and the mudroom converted into bedroom closet space.

Since we can’t know ahead of time what accessibility features will be needed, the space has been designed to work for everyday needs right now, but also so that it can be modified as necessary when the time comes.