Staircase Nook // Part Two

Yesterday I wrote about a problem that so many home owners feel frustrated with. What to do with that wasted triangle space below their staircase.

A desk, pantry, display, organization...there are so many options, yet the design and the logistics of it stop many people from utilizing this valuable space. 

It doesn't always work in a cohesive way with the rest of the design, but when it does work it's so so smart!

via Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Via Tom Hurt in Austin Texas

via  John Lum Architecture in San Francisco, Ca

Micro Loft by Specht Harpman Architects via Fast Co Design

via Linea Studio

Postgreen Architects via Dwell. Photo by Mark Mahaney

Case Study: Staircase Nook

That space under the stairs. So many people with two story homes know they could use that area underfoot for storage but aren't sure how to do it. 

A friend of mine has an open space already carved out under her staircase. But right now it is an empty slate. Along with her husband, the three of us thought through some of their storage needs and how they would like the space to function. Filing, organization and a place to empty their pockets and charge their electronics.

So I came up with a few concepts to incorporate some ideas that they hoped for. Both include a floating unit so that they could easy store and hide their shoes. 

Concept one included a space to the left where they can hang cold weather clothing. Concept two has more drawers and because of the slanted wall they are placed more abstractly. 

On the left is the docking station. It is deep enough to hide a laptop and phones but open for easy access. The drawing on the right shows a filing drawer that I wish I had three of. It includes a spot to put "to be filed" mail and papers for when you just don't have time to file it away, but you don't want it to pile up on a desk. 

Do you live in a two story home? Is that space under your stairs going to waste? 

Escape to the Mountains

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. - John Muir

We escaped for a bit this week to my favorite place, a tiny creek nestled in the Sierra's. Family had already set up camp and we joined for a few nights of bliss in the shape of sunshine, dirt, food and campfire. Our boys are well on their way to this being their favorite place as well. 

We certainly received much more than we were seeking. 

Feels Like Home // Overhangs

One of the most welcoming features of a home can be it's roof giving it a sense of protection. Depending on windows, it is also a vital part of how comfortable the home is on the inside.

via Heliotrope Architects in Seattle WA

also via Heliotrope Architects in Seattle WA

via energy.gov

When planned correctly, there are many benefits to having an overhang on your home. In fact, if you are planning a passive solar home the overhang is a crucial part of controlling the temperature of the home. The goal is to block the summer sun and let in the winter sun.*

The above photos are an example of what a roof or overhang can do. On the left are some apartments here in San Luis Obispo. The overhangs provide protection from a summer sun.

The roofs on the tract homes in the photo on the right don't extend and there are no overhangs. I imagine those rooms get very warm, especially if that wall is west facing.

Imagine the photo on the left with no overhangs. It would seem less inviting and more exposed. On the flip side, imagine the homes on the right with an extended roof to protect the windows on top, and some overhangs to protect the first story windows and back door. 

Entrances

Having a protected entrance is welcoming to guests and helpful for rainy days when you are unlocking your door with an armload of groceries or kids. 

via Remodelista (this is my favorite post from Remodelista, the home is perfection.)

Solutions

An overhang large enough to give you a shaded and protected outdoor living spaces significantly increases your quality of life.  But perhaps you don't have much overhang on your home and moving really isn't an option. There are solutions to this problem. If you have a yard or patio you can add a detached shade structure. The one below is a good example of situating the structure to allow morning sun but blocking the heat of the afternoon with the way the wooden slats are positioned.  I would definitely drink my morning coffee here. 

via Better Homes and Gardens

If you have a large set of windows without protection facing the West you may feel the afternoon heat beyond your comfort. Don't go out and buy a stock striped and scalloped canvas awning just yet. A simple addition to that wall can provide relief while still looking great. 

Available at Wayfair.com 

Because our family rents, we aren't able to build any type of overhangs. The solution we've used in our backyard is a sail shade. We bought ours at our local hardware store for $30. It's has worked great, protects our kids while the play outside in the sun and certainly makes our outdoor space more welcoming. 

via HGTV

*If you are building a home or searching for a home, consider the amount of windows on a west or east facing wall. A well designed home for comfort will have the longest wall with windows facing the south and the shortest wall facing the west and east. If you must have west or east facing windows (as many do here in California to optimize their view of the ocean,) then consider the overhang and how that will help.