August 24, 2023 •Brian Hogan
Living amidst the ever-changing climate of the Midwest, our clients at Hogan Design & Construction embarked on a journey to create an outdoor haven that defied the limitations of the weather. The vision was clear: a covered porch addition seamlessly integrated with their existing home, offering a versatile space for relaxation and entertainment. Through meticulous design, innovative solutions, and top-tier craftsmanship, the team at Hogan brought this vision to life.
Blending Form and Function
For our clients, the exterior aesthetics were paramount. The porch needed to harmoniously meld with the distinct roof lines and architectural nuances of their whole home. Hogan Design & Construction undertook the challenge of selecting matching brick, shingle, and metal materials that gracefully united the new addition with the existing structure. The end result is a stunning union of old and new, where even the fading of the original roof was matched to perfection. Copper metal seam roofs adorned the bay window and the house trim, tying the elements together seamlessly.
Designing for the Perfect Escape
The porch was crafted to be an outdoor retreat, with every detail meticulously planned. The spacious layout encompasses an entertainment area boasting a fully masoned wood-burning gas fireplace, complete with cable/television access, additional heating, and a state-of-the-art sound system. A nod to functionality, remote-controlled phantom screens open up the space to the elements during pleasant weather, ensuring usability even in cooler months. The thoughtful design extends to the fully equipped dining area, and a screened door leads to the outdoor dining patio, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
A Symphony of Collaboration
Collaboration was at the heart of this project's success. Cara Mamott of Haven Design Group (HDG) played a pivotal role, curating the materials palette and bringing a keen eye to lighting choices that added a wow factor to the space. Marshall Architects' expertise ensured the new porch blended effortlessly with the existing home, suggesting the addition of a cupola that became a beloved design element.
The homeowners on working with our partner designer and architect on the project: "Cara Mamott of HDG was really key in making the porch so beautiful, and she was integral in sourcing brick to match the home and paint colors and pavers to coordinate. The lighting she picked is a major wow factor in the space, and the large chandelier is beautiful both inside the porch and looking on from the street. Dan Marshall of Marshall Architects was also key, and he drew the porch so that it blended seamlessly with the existing home and suggested adding the cupola, which we love!"
The Role of Project Management
Project manager John Vendafreddo's dedication shone through in the complex process of marrying an old home with a modern addition. His commitment to quality and clear communication was pivotal in bringing the client's dreams to life. His knowledge and expertise ensured a smooth execution, even in the face of challenges inherent in such a project.
Our clients on working with John Vendafreddo, Senior Project Manager, "Johnny is awesome to work with as the project manager. Adding onto an old home like ours is a very complex project. He was extremely committed to delivering a quality outcome and making sure we’re happy with the project. He is knowledgeable, a good communicator, and we enjoy working with him."
A Beloved Addition
"Before adding the porch, we primarily lived and entertained in our kitchen and family room and even our driveway! We have a large side yard that was really underutilized as there was no door from that side of the house to access it and no patio or place to sit near it. By adding an exterior door and the new covered porch, we transformed an underutilized space into our favorite place in our home." says the homeowner.
The completed porch has transcended its role as a mere extension of the home. It has become a cherished sanctuary for our clients, where evenings are spent in the company of loved ones, enjoying dinner or drinks against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace and the Midwestern sky. The once-underutilized side yard has transformed into the family's favorite retreat, a testament to the power of thoughtful design and masterful craftsmanship.
John was extremely pleased with the entire team, which included HDC's long-time returning clients, HDG, Marshall Architects, and our HDC field and office team. "The customer had a vision, and the architects and designers put it on paper. I was so happy to deliver the finished product that adds so much value to the home in many different ways and looks like it was always part of the home."
Hogan Design & Construction's expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence have culminated in a porch addition that goes beyond shelter – it is an extension of family life, a space that beautifully marries luxury with utility, and a testament to the transformative power of architecture and design. From the seamless integration with the existing home to the meticulous details that enhance every moment, this home addition project stands as a true testament to the Hogan ethos.
The customer’s final words on the HDC experience: "We love spending time with friends and family on the porch, it’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner with our family or drinks with a crowd. We’re so glad we hired Hogan to complete this project!"
To learn more about our design-build process, home-related tips, trends, and advice from Hogan Design & Construction, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, read our blog, check out our growing library of remodeling checklists, or follow HDC on Facebook and Instagram. To get your own project started, contact us today.