1063 sq ft reno: Removing supporting walls!

The apartment will be, eventually, an airy, open space with an unimpeded view down one side stretching from front to back right through the living room, kitchen, and dining room. To achieve that we have to remove some supporting walls … without collapsing the three storey building. A flush beam will span two thirds the width of the building. When finished, the ceiling will show no divisions where there once was a wall separating two rooms. In this way there will be no implied division in the newly opened up space.

The new flush beam is made of an engineered wood product (called LVL). It is the off-cuts from this material that I take to my shop and use to make small pieces of furniture like the book nooks.

Originally the apartment was a warren of small rooms with supporting walls dividing the space into thirds front to back.
Originally the apartment was a warren of small rooms with supporting walls dividing the space into thirds front to back.
The first step is to build temporary walls on either side of the original support wall (already removed in this photo).
The first step is to build temporary walls on either side of the original support wall (already removed in this photo).
Temporary walls support the building. The beam to be removed runs down the centre.
Temporary walls support the building.
Cutting out the joists so that the flush beam can be installed.
Cutting out the joists so that the flush beam can be installed.
Beam in place, temporary walls removed. Two temporary jacks remain while we wait for the delivery of the final post.
Beam in place, temporary walls removed. Two temporary jacks remain while we wait for the delivery of the final support post.

1063 sq ft reno: Stairs, a key design element

After tearing apart the client’s 1920s dingy dark apartment, removing all but the supporting walls, ripping up the flooring and pulling out the plumbing we begin the process of relocating the basement stairwell.

The client wanted the basement (where there will be an office) to feel included in the main living area. To create a flow between the two floors, we moved the stairwell into the centre of the building, changed the descent from a narrow single run to a large square with two opposing runs and a generous landing. As the project progresses, the stairs will become a focal point for the apartment and a significant design feature.

Before cutting the hole for the new stairwell.
Before cutting the hole for the new stairwell.
The subfloor is removed and we begin cutting away the joists.
The subfloor is removed and we begin cutting away the joists.
Framing the new stairwell opening.
Framing the new stairwell opening.
The new stairwell opening is framed and the entire apartment floor is skinned in plywood in preparation for polished concrete with radiant heat.
The new stairwell opening is framed and the entire apartment floor is skinned in plywood in preparation for polished concrete with radiant heat.

Final opening