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2019 Remodeler’s Showcase

"This is the quintessential example of a challenging remodel project..."

INTRO

This is the quintessential example of a challenging remodel project: the multiplicity of concealed conditions that mandated a broad spectrum of
problem-solving and solutions development acumen. The transformation of challenging existing materials and conditions into a beautiful metamorphosed space was successfully achieved by: an evolving design contingent upon the unexpectant discovery of concealed conditions ; heavy & critical selective demolition; the complex problem-solving and crafting of viable design solutions in dealing with the existing structural components; challenges from the limited and/or non-existent electrical and plumbing sources; the rough and finish carpentry and millwork…All combined, this significant remodel of a formidable space brought forth tremendous delight to the Owner’s, fulfilling their wishes and dream. This is what ’excellence’ in remodeling is about.

Goals

The Owners wanted to convert an existing sizeable vault/safe room, completely contained by concrete filled blocks, into an elegant bar/ area for entertaining as well as for their own personal enjoyment.
To construct a new entrance through the vault’s contiguous concrete wall that would offer a visible pathway from the home’s main portal entry leading through the living room and directly into the bar’s interior.
Since arched designs are featured throughout the house, the Owner’s desired a floor to ceiling arched doorway, fitted with mahogany doors, as a formal entry into the future pub/bar.
To re-configure and expand the minimal existing electrical circuits: to provide illumination for the room with controlled lighting (ability to create an atmosphere of an old classic pub), and to accommodate a wine cooler, refrigerator & other small appliances, eg. Blender.
To establish plumbing lines for a bar sink.
To cover the existing concrete floor with a material suitable to the ‘pub’ design.
To update and conceal the existing outdated baseboard heater.
To remove the vault/safe room’s existing steel framed & concrete filled door and salvage the concealing double wood swinging doors for reuse (providing access through the adjoining office).

Floor Plans

Obstacles &
Solutions

The project presented a series of complex obstacles, including selective demolition, limited access through an occupied residence, and extensive modifications to concrete structures, which required innovative solutions to seamlessly integrate new design elements into the existing space.

1

Selective demolition was required at multiple locations through 8” concrete filled bearing block walls with rebar to accommodate: a) The proposed 6’ x 6” wide and 8’ x 0” custom double arched Mahogany doorway ( floor to 8’ ceiling); b) Channeling and cutting of concrete for electrical and plumbing at multiple locations; c) Grinding the concrete ceiling in a radius pattern at the proposed arched doorway opening; d) Cutting and chipping CMU block as necessary to remove the existing concrete filled vault door (which is located and accessed through an adjoining office).

Perform thorough forensic inspections and use infrared technology to detect hidden conditions before demolition. Collaborate with the Owners to create a flexible design plan, accommodating unexpected challenges such as hidden rebar or unplanned obstacles.

Obstacle

2

The vault/safe room is located in the middle of the house. Access to the working area was through the main front door entry, through the living room and a hallway which led to the master suite and other bedrooms.

Erect a tunnel covered with 6 mil poly sheeting from the main entry to the bar construction area. This will prevent dust from spreading throughout the residence and protect the pathway from debris.

Obstacle

3

The Owners occupied the residence throughout this dusty, noisy & heavy demolition project.

Use negative air machines with HEPA filters to control dust, along with appropriate safety gear. Constant communication with the Owners ensures that their needs are met while minimizing disruptions during construction.

Obstacle

4

Removal of heavy debris was through the house and approximately 100’ along an exterior walkway with stairs.

Protect the walkway by covering it with OSB sheets, ensuring safe transport of debris and materials. This approach prevents damage to the walkway and enhances the safety of both workers and residents.

Obstacle

5

Creating space in the existing concrete ceiling for lighting as well as concealing the presence of an existing hot water heating line.

Fur down the concrete ceiling with metal framing to provide additional space for recessed LED lights and conceal the hot water heating line. Finish the ceiling with gypsum board for a seamless look.

Obstacle

6

Creating a radius in the ceiling to accommodate the swinging arched doors into the bar area.

Grind the ceiling in a radius pattern at the doorway opening to allow the doors to swing inward. A coffered ceiling detail is added to incorporate ambient lighting, adding a visual appeal while resolving the ceiling height issue.

Obstacle

7

Retrofitting the opening where the steel reinforced vault door was removed.

Fabricate and install a custom wood jamb at the doorway to replace the removed vault door, reusing the original double wood doors for continuity and a cohesive aesthetic between rooms.

Obstacle

8

Access for plumbing and drainage as required for the bar sink.

Core through concrete walls to connect plumbing to an adjacent laundry drain and boiler room. This ensures the sink has both water supply and drainage while utilizing existing infrastructure effectively.

Obstacle

9

Modification of the existing baseboard heater to compliment the design features of the remodeled space.

Replace the metal baseboard cover with a custom white oak enclosure to blend with the pub-style décor, ensuring functional heating and design continuity.

Obstacle

Conclusion

This remodel exemplifies the true spirit of excellence in construction, as the project team’s adaptive problem-solving and craftsmanship transformed a complex and challenging space into a stunning and functional environment that exceeded the Owners' expectations.

Testimonial

    Chuck Caswell of Fabuwallous took a concrete box of a room, formerly a vault, and converted it into a spectacular bar and sitting room. It isn’t a very large room but we worked together within the space available. The room is beautiful, better than we dared to hope.

    - Laura and Jesse Atkins