Hillside House

Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA
  • 2005 AIA Pittsburgh Honor Award for Design Excellence
  • 2005 AIA Pittsburgh People’s Choice Award
  • 2005 AIA Pennsylvania Citation of Merit

This new house in a residential neighborhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sits on the site of a former two-bedroom, one-story ranch house that had a basement and a one-car integral garage. The original backyard was level, but completely paved with concrete. An in-ground kidney-shaped pool was wedged along one side of the house.

A windowless brick wall with a fireplace stood between a small living room and the dramatic view. By tearing down 85% of the structure, we transformed the house to take advantage of its unrealized dramatic views as well as to open up to what became a lush 80′ x 35′ private garden in a wooded setting.

This compact, L-shaped house features open kitchen, living and dining spaces that look out over Pittsburgh’s picturesque East End, particularly when the leaves have fallen. The lower level features a two-car integral garage and a home office. The cozy second floor “away” room takes advantage of the view, too.

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