Hammerschmidt Residence
Paoli, Pennsylvania

In this project the primary goal was to create a playroom for the children above an existing garage.  After careful examination of the existing structure the owner decided to remove the existing 2x4 structure and build the new garage and playroom on top of the existing foundation.

On the second floor, between the playroom and house, we located a small desk area and laundry room.  On the ground level between the garage and the house we created a mudroom with ample closet space and cubbies for the kids tucked away under the stairs.  The mudrooms brick floor as well as the playroom above the garage are heated with a radiant heat system.

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Mudroom Looking South

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The durable wood wainscotting was an appropriate choice to stand up to the high use and activity that one expects in a mudroom and playroom.

The stair to the playroom is broken into two runs.  The first run is wider and is a stained oak. The second run narrows and is carpeted The wood wainscotting helps to protect these walls as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Up To The Playroom


As a playroom and exercise room, storage was an important consideration.  Several closets border and actually give shape to the room.  Built-in window seats with storage inside also serve to meet the clients demand for storage space.

The tray ceiling helps define the shape and feel of the room directing ones attention to the window wall opening to the rear yard. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Playroom Looking South

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The large clear span space opens to the rear of the property.  Large windows at this end peer out into the trees and backyard providing a wonderful back drop for exercising and a vantage point for monitoring  the children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playroom Looking North



The adjacency of the playroom to the kitchen was a concern from the beginning.  The stair became the visual and audible link between the two rooms allowing for monitoring the children's activity while working in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Looking Down To The Mudroom