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The Cox Home – Preserving Heritage in Layton, Utah
Overview
The Cox Home – Preserving Heritage in Layton, Utah project, as featured on the Shadd Johnson Design website, represents a masterful integration of historical preservation and modern functionality. Originally constructed before 1910 by the homeowners’ ancestors, this farmhouse has remained within the family for over a century. Tasked with crafting an addition that honors the home’s rich legacy, Shadd Johnson Design sought to make the new wing feel as though it had always been part of the original structure. As a result, the project blends the old and new with seamless unity.
Project Goals
Historic Preservation: Maintain the original character and appearance of the farmhouse from early-20th-century character remained intact.
Modern Amenities: Update the home with a new kitchen, master suite, and increased living space without compromising its historical integrity.
Functional Expansion: Bring all essential living spaces under one roof, including laundry facilities and indoor access to the garage.
Family Legacy: Ensure the home remains within the family and continues to serve future generations.
Design and Implementation
Exterior Design:
- Focused on making the addition indistinguishable from the original structure.
- Used materials and architectural styles consistent with early 20th-century farmhouses.
- Changed the front door orientation from facing south to west, inadvertently resulting in a new address due to the corner lot location.
Main Floor:
- New Front Entry: Introduced a welcoming entrance featuring a beautiful staircase leading to the second floor.
- Master Suite:
- Converted the second bedroom on the main floor into a master bathroom and closet.
- Removed the original staircase to gain additional space for the master suite.
- Kitchen:
- Expanded from a small 9×6-foot space to a spacious kitchen with all desired amenities.
- Included a hidden pantry, double ovens, microwave, cooktop, two dishwashers, and a farm sink.
- Added an island for additional workspace and seating.
- Featured white shiplap on the ceiling to maintain the farmhouse aesthetic.
- Laundry Room:
- Relocated from an outbuilding into the main house for convenience.
- Used the original front door with pre-1910 wavy glass as the laundry room door, preserving a piece of the home’s history.
Second Floor:
- Staircase Relocation:
- Moved the staircase to the new addition, filling in the original stairway opening.
- Created a loft area in the former stairwell space for the children’s homework and computer use.
- Bedrooms:
- Retained the original bedrooms, which feature unique shapes due to the rooflines.
- Maintained the historical charm with low closet doors and attic-style ceilings.
Additional Features:
- Three-Car Garage:
- Added an attached garage to provide indoor access to vehicles, eliminating the need to traverse snow in winter.
- IT Room:
- Created a dedicated space for servers, sprinkler timers, and home automation systems.
- Located next to the pantry with access from the garage.
- Preservation of Original Elements:
- Kept original windows in their existing locations to avoid structural complications.
- Integrated exterior design elements into the addition to ensure continuity.
Challenges and Solutions
- High Water Table:
- Initially planned for a basement but had to revise the design upon discovering unsuitable conditions during excavation.
- Structural Modifications:
- Avoided moving original windows to prevent engineering complications.
- Adapted interior layouts to work around existing structural elements.
- Historical Accuracy:
- Ensured that the addition matched the architectural style of the original farmhouse.
- Used period-appropriate materials and design features.
Outcome
The Cox Home project successfully blended the old with the new, providing the homeowners with modern comforts while preserving the historical essence of their family farmhouse. The addition appears as though it has always been part of the original structure, fulfilling the clients’ primary request. The family now enjoys indoor access to all essential areas, including the laundry room and garage, significantly improving their daily convenience, especially during harsh winters. The home’s legacy continues, with plans for future generations to maintain and cherish this family treasure.
Key Features Recap
- Historical Preservation: Maintained the farmhouse’s original look from the 1910s.
- Modern Kitchen: Expanded and fully equipped with desired amenities, including a hidden pantry and farm sink.
- Master Suite Enhancement: Created a spacious master bathroom and closet by repurposing existing space.
- Interior Relocation of Laundry Room: Improved convenience by moving laundry facilities indoors.
- Reuse of Original Materials: Incorporated the original front door with historic glass into the new design.
- New Staircase and Loft: Relocated stairs to improve flow and created a functional loft space.
- Three-Car Garage Addition: Provided indoor access to vehicles and the new IT room.
- Family Legacy Continuation: The home remains a cherished family property with plans for future use.
Conclusion
The Cox Home stands as a testament to respectful renovation and thoughtful design. Shadd Johnson Design successfully met the challenge of updating a historic home to meet modern needs while preserving its original charm and significance. The project exemplifies how careful planning and a deep appreciation for a property’s history can result in a home that serves its owners well today and preserves a legacy for future generations.
