James West, JWest Productions

An “energetic redefinition of what a house transformation might be,” this addition impressed the judges with its “breathtaking” design as well as the “well-conceived yet simple technical solution” of the exposed truss system supporting its inverted-pitch roof.

The home began as a simple 1920s bungalow, and its front —though refined to accommodate a dormer window and covered porch — retains its Craftsman simplicity. The rear is dramatically contemporary, with the soaring height of the family room and master bedroom addition reminding one judge of a cocoon turning into a butterfly.

The family room, which measures 15 feet 7 inches by 24 feet 10 inches, has walls of windows, built-in cabinetry, and a site-built fireplace with a cantilevered concrete hearth and a bench made of African ribbon mahogany.

High overhead, the pitched roof is supported by an exposed truss system made of Douglas fir, painted steel struts, and fittings tensioned with stainless steel cables resting on a 35-foot steel I-beam.

RDA 06
James West, JWest Productions RDA 06

The new master bedroom is private yet light-filled, thanks to four interior windows atop the wall it shares with the family room. Both rooms have direct access to the new L-shaped deck, whose cable rail affords a wooded view.

  • Category: Additions, over $250,000
  • Location: Raleigh, N.C.
  • Contractor: Will Alphin, Alphin Design Build, Raleigh
  • Designer: Roger and Susan Cannon, Cannon Architects, Raleigh
The home began as a simple 1920s bungalow, and though its facade retains its 
Craftsman simplicity, the rear is dramatically contemporary, culminating in a butterfly roof.
James West, JWest Productions The home began as a simple 1920s bungalow, and though its facade retains its Craftsman simplicity, the rear is dramatically contemporary, culminating in a butterfly roof.