1.5-Story Minneapolis Dormer Addition
How a Half-Story Became a Full Primary Suite without Adding Square Footage
Twenty-seven years in, our Southwest Minneapolis client had already remodeled the kitchen and rebuilt the backyard with a new patio and pergola. The upper level was the last piece, and she wanted it to work as a full primary suite she could use year-round without excessive heat driving her to sleep downstairs. A shed dormer along the back of the home lifted the roofline and reclaimed square footage the original gable had left too low to use, all without touching the footprint or the landscaping she had just finished.
Photography by Spacecrafting
What can be gained by reclaiming unused space?
Reclaiming unusable space under the gables meant we could give our client a full primary suite experience, with a walk-in closet at full ceiling height, a bathroom down the hall instead of down a flight of stairs, and a bonus room at the top of the stairs she calls “the snug.”
New windows, spray foam insulation, and upgraded HVAC keep the space comfortable through all our Minnesota seasons.
"I have thought about leaving, but I love my location. I've got friends to the west and friends to the east, and I love that."
Homeowner, 1.5-Story Minneapolis Dormer Addition
“I really appreciate that White Crane points out possible issues and talks through them.”
Homeowner, 1.5-Story Minneapolis Dormer Addition
“I love the color of the tulips and that the flowers were more abstract.”
Homeowner, 1.5-Story Minneapolis Dormer Addition
“I knew that I wanted a space where I could spend more time up there and year-round, instead of sleeping on the couch when it was too hot up there. And it seemed like a good time to do it.”
Homeowner, 1.5-Story Minneapolis Dormer Addition
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