Located in one of the oldest areas in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, the 3,300 SF Plater Residence was originally constructed in the early 1950s and is a jewel box full of highly unique Mid-Century Modern design features and architectural details. The homeowners’ growing family and evolving lifestyle required more space to the home, as well as a need for a better configuration of the existing interior space. Additionally, the clients expressed an interest in renovating the exterior backyard to allow for more at-home entertainment, dining, and gathering. With these considerations in mind, it was imperative that the Mid-Century character of the home remain intact and even highlighted.
NANO successfully captured the uniqueness of the original space while infusing modern conveniences when possible. Today, the addition is analogous with the original space and transitions seamlessly in appearance and functionality.
Project Team
- Terri Dreyer
- Kristine Kobila
Featured in Design Bureau in 2014, the project consisted of a 2,000 SF addition that artfully complimented the home while maintaining the overall architectural strategy and materials of the original structure. NANO adopted a strategy focused on maximizing northern light and wrapping programmatic components around the proposed pool, one of the elements to be included in the renovation. Using a combination of wood and steel construction, all living areas were opened up as much as possible, and a cantilevered steel overhang was introduced to protect the interior spaces from midday sun.
The 8-foot cantilevered overhang allows for a covered area for shaded lounging, reducing afternoon glare from the interior of the home. To successfully create a cantilever without any vertical elements, steel plating and beams were tied back into the roof structure, which further assisted in the preservation of the home’s architectural identify.
“The cantilever is merely one example of how NANO maintained the structure’s integrity while modernizing certain areas for a 21st century family – something that the client appreciated.” – Bracing for the Future, Design Bureau 2014
