SUBTERRANEAN ZEN

In most suburban homes, the lower level takes on the overflow needs of the rest of the house. When the kids are small, it is an indestructible space filled with toys, games and anything else that you don’t want other people to see. As the children grow, it becomes the hang out space for video games and ping pong tournaments.

What do we do with these spaces once the kids are out of the house? That was the question for this empty nester couple. How can they make this space work best for them? We began the design process like we do for all of our project in asking what the needs, interest and lifestyle are of the client. Their list is what we like to call Zen Grandparenting.

Our task then was to divide up with 2,000 square foot space to make one relaxation space and one flexible space for playing and overnight stays.

First, we designed a vertically slatted light oak divider that creates privacy between the spaces yet lets in light. Next, on the Zen side we created open space for yoga, exercise equipment and stretching plus a wood paneled infrared sauna. On the Den side, we added a separate full bathroom and the flexibility to use this space as a play room and a sleep over room for their children and grandchildren. The builtin cabinets have a space for toddler age toys and separate spaces for older children toys, as well as a dry bar and wine storage for adults.

We also wanted this area to be useful for our clients when there were no kids in the house which is most of the time. So, with a pool table and shuffleboard, this becomes an adult hang out for after dinner drinks and games.