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Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.Contractor and Designer: Matt Roule and Chad Carter, 131Shapes, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Honorable Mention, Design/Build, under $100,000

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Honorable Mention, Design/Build, under $100,000

  • Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.Contractor and Designer: Matt Roule and Chad Carter, 131Shapes, Pittsburgh, Pa.

    Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.Contractor and Designer: Matt Roule and Chad Carter, 131Shapes, Pittsburgh, Pa.

    http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/dc5b1db6-5acc-4f4d-a6e2-d84af8605e7e_tcm17-422388.jpg

    Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.Contractor and Designer: Matt Roule and Chad Carter, 131Shapes, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    The design program for this small basement (originally used as a dog kennel) included a bar, a full bathroom, an entertainment and living area with a fireplace, an artistic waterwall feature, and enhanced storage space. The clients wanted artistic elements that could fit into a small budget.

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    The clients, eclectic art collectors, were looking for a space they could describe as "Mexican Sushi restaurant."

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    New bath.

  • http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/a41b2142-db2d-4c70-9c8e-91ca02f8998a_tcm17-422395.jpg

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    Bamboo details add a surprise element, which appear at the bottom of the stairs, on the hand rail, and cast into the water wall.

  • http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/b83f5f0d-be01-4d04-bd2b-73b83c1ef105_tcm17-422396.jpg

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    Exposed joists add a unique visual element as well as height to the low-ceilinged rom. 131Shapes sanded and used a clear finish on the joists, then built a bulkhead around the mechanicals.

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    Matt Roule/Chad Carter/131Shapes

    The fireplace has a copper laminate over medium-density fiberboard. Bending MDF tops the mantel.

Challenge: Create a livable space in a low-ceilinged basement formerly used as a dog kennel. Exposed ceiling joists give a sense of height. Shelves in the masonry showcase the homeowners’ eclectic artwork. Judges appreciated: the “excellent layout” and “creativity and use of space.”

Location: Pittsburgh
Contractor and Designer: Matt Roule and Chad Carter, 131Shapes, Pittsburgh, Pa.

See list of all 2008 RDA winners.