One
approaches the Thickslab House from the street along a double drive on the
right or a single drive on the left - both drives have heavy gateposts. The
12 ft. space between the drives can be landscaped to include a pond. The undercover
entrance porch is framed by 2 ft. square columns featuring 4 ft. square openings.
Double
doors lead into a 10 ft. wide entrance hall with four 6 ft. wide coat and
storage closets. The 10 ft. high ceiling opens (12 ft. square opening) into
the turreted space above which throws light down into the entrance hall. One
passes through this space into the open plan dining, kitchen and living rooms
which are separated by 1 ft. by 2 ft. posts and beams which mimic the external
thick slab detailing. The kitchen has a pass through opening into the pantry,
and a large island with eating bar. The outside living room wall has a gas
fireplace and shelving units. Large windows look out across the patio to the
golf course beyond. Notice the conveniently placed telephone desk and shelves.
There's a storage closet under the stairs, but the stairs and landing are
open to the living room. Hot water heating pipes are laid in the concrete
floors (upstairs too) and zone controlled from the furnace room at the rear
of the double garage. A downstairs toilet is located between the pantry and
single garage. Double glass doors open from the dining area onto the deck.
The distance from the double entrance doors to the double glass doors leading
from the dining room to the deck is 52 ft., and from the gas fireplace to
the kitchen range outside wall is 48 ft. This is an expansive living space
to accommodate a large family.
The
stairs are slightly unusual with two landings - accommodates the 10 ft. high
first floor ceilings. The second landing has an 8 ft. ceiling beneath it but
no supporting posts - the landing is suspended from a box beam running from
floor joists on either side of the 12 ft. square opening - detailed construction
drawings show how this is built.
Up
three steps to the right and one has access to the roof deck and study and
looks over the rail down into the entrance hall. Bedroom #1 has three 6 ft.
closets and sufficient space to provide a second gas fire place and secluded
reading spot.
Up
three steps to the left puts one on a 6 ft. wide landing in front of a 12
ft. wide, 3 ft. deep laundry closet which has under counter washer and drier.
Three 4 ft. wide sliding doors can be massed to either side, exposing a laundry
tub. Shelving and closets above handle linen and detergents. There is also
a 3 ft. utility closet next to the laundry tub. Bedrooms #2 to #5 are large
enough to accommodate double beds (shown) and teenager necessities like drum
sets and electric guitars. Notice the second toilet to reduce bathroom congestion.
Both main bathrooms have soaker tubs and shower stalls. With this window configuration
a screen would have to be installed on the furnace room roof to provide privacy
from the opposite bathroom.
The
large roof deck provides a secure space for kids to erect tents and sleep
outside during summer months.
Any
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