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Ash Street Split

Portsmouth, NH

2014 AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Peoples Choice Award

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Photography: David Maurand

The Ash Street Split project is a house renovation located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The residence, designed by McHenry Architecture, is located on 1 Ash Street within in a dense residential neighborhood near downtown.

The existing house was a dated 1962 Split Level Ranch that has undergone a complete transformation to a modern livable residence for a growing family with high ceilings and an expanded upper level addition to the South. The new roof design is a switchback roof that expresses the overlapping levels while creating clerestory windows for increased daylighting and ventilation. The elevated addition can serve both as a carport and as a covered patio space that connects to the yard.

The design intent of this project was to create a dramatic and contemporary aesthetic on a modest budget that utilizes the function of the original spilt level home. The compact open concept living, dining, and kitchen area is enlightened with the expanded roof height and clerestory daylighting that maintain privacy while new openings selectively connect to the landscape at grade.