This extension was built to avoid the demolition of the existing 100 years old Victorian building/home. With bringing a new life for the building, Christopher Megowan, the student of architecture in the University of Southern California has preserved the old building end even more, today, this Victorian building serves as a dormitory for the University’s students. The young designer/builder built a five foot clear polycarbonate annex between the old and the new building to maintain their integrity. With low cost and sustainability in mind, the designer designed the basic structure with 4x8 ft polycarbonate walls and fiber cement panels and built them in a way that makes the house has ample natural lighting. The architect also used the built-in flaps and functioning skylights for passive ventilation and also used the concrete floors for passive thermal control. To enhance the lighting, the polycarbonate walls are wired with LEDs, creating the glowing wall effect that making the lighting efficient while also creating an aesthetic appeal. To make a sound barrier for privacy (but it also is making anything efficient in cost), bedrooms are separated by closets with sliding doors, so it’s not a surprise when the cost for building this 1200-sq-ft extension is only $130/sq. ft. Christopher Megowan Design
