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The Steffany Residence – A Modern Home Overcoming Setback Challenges in Lehi, Utah
Overview
The Steffany Residence is a 5,800-square-foot modern home built in 2009 in the foothills of Lehi, Utah. Situated on a small, compact lot near the Revere and Mia Via projects, the home showcases innovative design solutions to maximize space and meet the homeowners’ needs. A key aspect of this project was identifying a loophole in the city’s setback requirements, allowing for an additional 10 feet of buildable space. The residence features an open-concept main floor, a master ensuite, a mother-in-law suite, and distinctive architectural elements like exposed steel beams and a two-sided fireplace.
Project Goals
Maximize Limited Lot Space: Efficiently utilize a small, compact lot to create a spacious and functional home.
Privacy Without Sacrificing Openness: Design interior spaces that offer privacy while maintaining an open-concept feel.
Innovative Design: Incorporate unique architectural features that enhance aesthetics and functionality.
Natural Light Enhancement: Use abundant windows to bring in natural light throughout the home.
Accommodate Multi-Generational Living: Include a mother-in-law suite to support extended family living arrangements.
Design and Implementation
Lot Utilization:
- Setback Loophole Exploitation:
- Discovered that the city’s setback requirement was 20 feet from the back of the curb, not the back of the sidewalk as intended.
- Gained an additional 10 feet of buildable space by interpreting the setback correctly, allowing for a larger footprint.
Main Floor Features:
- Open-Concept Layout:
- The main floor includes the living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, half bath, and master suite.
- Living room, dining room, and kitchen flow seamlessly, promoting interaction and spaciousness.
- Two-Sided Fireplace:
- Positioned at the entrance, the fireplace serves as a visual block, offering privacy without enclosing spaces.
- Provides warmth and ambiance to both the entryway sitting area and the living room.
- Exposed Steel Beams:
- Steel beams separate the dining room from the kitchen and are mirrored on the opposite side of the fireplace.
- Creates a visual effect of a continuous beam running through the space, adding industrial charm.
- Abundant Natural Light:
- Numerous windows are installed throughout to maximize natural light.
- The kitchen includes a hidden pantry with interior windows, ensuring even storage spaces are well-lit.
Master Suite:
- Luxurious Bathroom:
- Features a walk-in shower with a tub positioned in front of it.
- His and her vanities are placed on opposite sides for convenience.
- Attached walk-in closet provides ample storage.
- Accessibility:
- Located off the living room for easy access and privacy.
Upper Floor Features:
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
- Three bedrooms and three full bathrooms accommodate family and guests.
- Loft Area:
- Overlooks the living room, reinforcing the open-concept design.
- Provides access to an outdoor balcony for additional leisure space.
Basement Features:
- Mother-in-Law Suite:
- Designed with a two-bedroom apartment setup, suitable for extended family or rental opportunities.
- Includes separate living spaces while maintaining connectivity to the main house.
- Additional Owner Spaces:
- Two bedrooms, a mechanical room, and a family room are also located in the basement for the main homeowners.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Setback Requirements:
- Challenge: Navigating restrictive setback requirements on a small lot.
- Solution: Identified and utilized a loophole in the setback measurement, gaining extra space. Secured approval from the city, and prepared documentation to address any disputes during inspections.
- Construction Oversight:
- Challenge: Ensuring the city’s inspection team recognized the approved setback interpretation.
- Solution: Proactively obtained written confirmation from city officials validating the setback understanding. Presented this documentation during inspections to prevent construction delays.
Outcome
The Steffany Residence stands as a testament to creative problem-solving and innovative design. By effectively utilizing the lot and overcoming regulatory challenges, the home provides ample space and luxury features typically found in larger lots. The homeowners enjoy a well-lit, open-concept living environment with unique architectural details and spaces designed for both privacy and family interaction. The successful navigation of setback regulations and the inclusion of a mother-in-law suite add significant value to the property.
Key Features Recap
- Total Square Footage: Approximately 5,800 square feet.
- Location: Lehi, Utah, near the foothills; completed in 2009.
- Lot Utilization:
- Exploited setback loophole to maximize buildable area.
- Main Floor:
- Open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen.
- Two-sided fireplace serving as a privacy feature.
- Exposed steel beams creating visual continuity.
- Master suite with luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet.
- Upper Floor:
- Three bedrooms and three full bathrooms.
- Loft overlooking the living room.
- Balcony accessible from the loft area.
- Basement:
- Two-bedroom mother-in-law suite.
- Additional two bedrooms, mechanical room, and family room for owners.
- Design Highlights:
- Abundant natural light through extensive window installation.
- Hidden pantry with interior windows.
- Strategic placement of outdoor spaces to enhance living experience.
Conclusion
The Steffany Residence exemplifies Shadd Johnson Design’s expertise in creating custom homes that meet client needs while overcoming site-specific challenges. The project’s success lies in its innovative use of space, regulatory navigation, and thoughtful architectural details. By delivering a home that offers both openness and privacy, along with multi-generational living solutions, the Steffany Residence fulfills the homeowners’ desires and enhances their quality of life. The project’s completion reinforces the firm’s reputation for excellence in design and problem-solving.
