Historic Charm Meets Modern Function: A Sunroom, Garage, and Courtyard Transformation
When the owners of this classic property in central Nova Scotia approached us, their vision was clear but ambitious. They wanted to expand their living space and storage capabilities without sacrificing the charm of their existing home. The plan involved a multi-faceted expansion including a new detached garage with a storage loft, a bright and insulated breezeway to connect the new garage to the home, and a completely rebuilt front sunroom to capture the pastoral views. Our goal was to create a cohesive design where the new additions felt like they had always been part of the property’s history, while providing the modern durability required for our unique climate.
The project began with the demolition of the existing front sunroom and site preparation for the new footprint. As is often the case when working with older homes, we encountered a surprise once the layers were peeled back. We discovered rot affecting the rim joist of the main house, a critical structural element. Instead of allowing this to delay the schedule, our team pivoted immediately. We executed a seamless repair the very same day, removing the damaged wood and reinforcing the structure to ensure a perfectly sound connection point for the new build. With the existing home secure, we poured a massive custom concrete slab for the garage and breezeway, and installed heavy-duty helical piers to support the front addition, ensuring stability against shifting ground conditions.
The framing phase required a high degree of technical skill to marry the new rooflines with the old. We constructed a new garage featuring a loft and a shed dormer with transom windows, allowing natural light to flood the upper storage area. Simultaneously, we framed the front sunroom with a complex dual hip roof design. Navigating the roof valleys where the new structures met the existing house presented a challenge, as these areas can create gaps at the eaves if not handled correctly. Our team expertly navigated this, adjusting the design on the fly to ensure water would flow efficiently away from the home, protecting the investment for decades to come.
Once the skeleton was complete, we focused on weatherproofing and aesthetics. To combat Nova Scotia’s freeze-thaw cycles and driving rain, we installed a comprehensive rain screen system behind all walls before applying the finishes. The exterior was clad in a mix of stained cedar shakes and vinyl board and batten, grounding the home in a traditional aesthetic while utilizing modern, low-maintenance materials. A stone front landing with vinyl skirting and a custom cedar arbour gate added the final touches of curb appeal, blending the new construction naturally into the landscape.
Moving inside, the craftsmanship truly came to life in the details. The new insulated breezeway serves as a stunning connector between the house and garage, featuring two large sliding patio doors that open onto a private courtyard. Overhead, skylights and a pine board ceiling create an airy, warm atmosphere. In the rebuilt front sunroom, we installed complex flooring tiles that required precise layout and cutting, complemented by pine board accents that echo the home’s farmhouse roots. Outside, the homeowners now enjoy a spacious stamped concrete patio surrounded by privacy fencing and garden beds, creating a perfect sanctuary for relaxation. The result is a property that not only functions better with ample storage and year-round living space but looks timeless in its setting.
