The Merc is a century-old mercantile shop that is our home! It was an astounding serendipitous finding
When we purchased the Merc house, we needed to divide the remodeling of the building into two parts. Phase one is functional smaller spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. It was the store part in the Merc and looked exactly like this when we first bought the property.
A patchwork of tiny improvements and numerous finishes on the walls. Blocks of concrete, lathe, plaster sheets of sheetrock.
Phase 2 includes an open space for living and dining and a main suite. The original purpose of the building was to be a garage for Southern Utah produce company, and in addition to offices (now it’s our kitchen), it’s a vast open area with the original brick walls of adobe and rough sawn cedar roof.
The idea was to get Phase 1 completed, move into and begin Phase 2 as soon as possible.
And we’re almost three years since we completed Phase 1 and settling in and getting things moving! That brings me to today’s blog. We’re dealing with an important design element to be determined, and I’d like your input!
This is the latest elevation on the exterior. We are about to talk about it!
What is the wall that has the mural? It’s the west side of the Merc. It will be able to have all the windows that were initially there opened, and we’ll need to pick the dormer design in the loft.
The Original Pitched Dormer Design:
In Phase 2, there is an area above the bathroom that we are converting into the loft. The idea behind the idea was to make the vast vertical space and to increase the square footage. The initial plan was to remove a portion of the roof and build a vast pitched dormer with windows on the other side.
In the first week of the week, we met with framers and talked about what it might appear like. I like to joke that there is nothing in this design. Merc is permanent or safe. The Merc is always open to debate. We had a great discussion and enjoyed it!
The problem (but not a deciding factor issue) was that building the dormer would take some time. This is a simple task but quite a bit of it. While we were mulling ideas, the contractor suggested that we change the style of the dormer from pitched into the shed dormer. This would provide us with more space for the inside, and it will be much easier to construct.
I was completely down! Dustin, the best designer/general contractor ever, has updated the plans. Yesterday we met with the structural engineer to ensure everything would succeed. We reviewed several specifications and concepts to reinforce the roof with the latest design.
And then, things turned contemporary.
Have you seen the TV show Grand Designs on Netflix? The show is filmed on the streets of Britain and follows people’s lives as they build and renovate their dream homes. It’s worth watching for those who have yet to see it! Many designs are based on plans and then made these crazy modern designs. This page is straight out of the book Grand Designs. Dustin is an expert in contemporary architecture. She began sketching while we talked.
My favorite design phrase (and in real life!) can be described as “What if,” which is why we came having two different designs. I’m eager to hear which you prefer! Let’s talk about both!
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