Penn Place New Home

This home is located in a pocket neighborhood in downtown Salt Lake City, an alley off of an alley with century-old homes that were originally built to house staff for the nearby mansions. The homes and lots are very small.

The young couple living in the home came to Salt Lake’s Renovation Design Group (Annie Schwemmer) to explore the possibility of a remodel, desiring to stay near family who lived in several of the other homes on the unique street. Upon assessment, the home was not structurally sound and we recommended rebuilding the home instead.

There were significant zoning challenges to overcome, but the new design with it's upper level tucked into the roofline maintains a similar size and feel to the surrounding homes while introducing a subtle modern sensibility marked by simplicity and subtraction of materials and elements so that the design doesn’t overwhelm.

The walls were built with 2” ZIP panels on the walls for better thermal performance, and Boral TurExterior nickel gap siding was used for the exterior cladding. The slate blue of the exterior and red door were careful selections.

At the entry, one meets the crisp modern lines of the interior. To the right is the stairway to the second level. On the main level, an open plan unfolds. Bluebird Renovations of Salt Lake (Zac Hicks) constructed the home. Susan Taggert Design of Salt Lake was the interior designer. The client (wife) LOVES tile and bold colors & was very involved in the selection of the unique tiles and colors throughout the project.

The ample windows and glass doors brighten the entry with wounderful southern light & create interesting patterns and shadows.

Adjacent to the front door is a steel-framed glass enclosure initially planned for a home office. The custom designed and fabricated glass wall folds back similar to doors opening to patio spaces. With the arrival of children, the use shifted from an office to a toddler play area.

The custom cobalt blue sectionals frame the living area around a fireplace with charcoal hexagonal and star tiles. A bench to the left of the fireplace adds additional seating.

The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen. The white cabinets and appliances set off the vivid cobalt blue kitchen island. Pottery designed and made by the client (wife) adornes the open shelving. It's easy to see how flexible the space is for adding more tables and accommodating quite a houseful when surrounding family members gather. Additionally, doors open to connect with the side patio and more seating for warm weather entertaining.

The large windows of the mudroom bring light into the rear of the home.

The walls and floors of the main level powder room are completely tiled, including rounded corners. The floor has a drain for the shower head if a main level shower is ever needed.

Upstairs, in addition to the primary bedroom and bath, are two bedrooms and a bath. Glass doors from the primary bedroom lead out to a private balcony.

The primary bath features more unique tilework, plenty of storage, a shower, and a Japanese soaking tub.

The lower level was permitted as a separate apartment if the homeowners ever decided to use it that way.

The back yard landscaping maximizes the functionality and use of a the small space and actually feel just right in size.