The Bridge Residence

Three cramped rooms become one long living space, and a new foyer gives the house the arrival it never had.

The existing main floor was divided into a kitchen, a breakfast area and a family room, none of them large enough to be useful. Removing the two walls between them — and carrying the load in a flush beam — produces a single room the length of the house, with the kitchen at one end and the fireplace at the other.

At the front, the entry was widened and given a proper stair, so the house now announces itself instead of apologising.