Wayne Reichart's small camp cottage in eastern Pennsylvania hardly took advantage of the nearby lake and waterfall vistas. The home's 1,100 square feet are divided into tiny, dark rooms, making one feel hemmed in. In love with the site, but not the house, Reichart wanted more room and more views.
Instead of tearing down and starting over, Reichart's architect/brother-in-law, Paul Macht, convinced him to build onto the existing house. Inspired by the surrounding tall trees and strong presence of wood in the original home, Macht designed an airy second-story master bedroom suite. Details such as the spaces left between the tops of the interior walls and the high rafters, and a see-through staircase, evoke an open feeling.
A cantilevered wraparound porch provided peaceful lakeside views, while new exterior cedar siding and extra insulation make the home more energy effecient. Soon after this addition was complete, however, the growing Reichart family required more remodeling. This time Macht planned to build an enlarged kitchen with a playroom/home office below. But Macht and builder, Allan Entrekin, hit a shelf of rock "the size of New Hampshire" when digging the basement playroom. They had to completely rethink the design and materials, deciding to build onto the other end of the house.
Meet the Reicharts, Macht and builder Allen Entrekin to learn more about the challenges faced in this inspiring makeover. Come see the transformation that inspires strangers to leave notes in the Reichart's mailbox, begging to buy their home.
Guests Paul Macht
Architect, Macht Architects
1231 School Lane
Rydal, PA 19046
Phone: 215-572-7511
Fax: 215-572-0577
E-mail:
design@machtarchitects.com
Website:
www.machtarchitects.comAllen Entrekin
Builder, Entrekin Builders
2636 Ridge Rd.
Elverson, PA 19520
Phone: 610-286-8866
Fax: 610-286-2973
Website:
www.entrekinbuilders.com Also in this Episode
