Scott Pursewell of Dovetailed Kitchens in Portsmouth, NH introduced Great Northern Builders to a new client in late 2019 to discuss completely transforming their Dover, NH home. The owner was looking for a finished product with something much higher than simple “builder quality”. They spoke with two different Master Craftsmen and each included Great Northern Builders on their short lists of recommended remodelers. Great Northern Builders enjoys the challenge of imagining the potential in an existing space, but this project had an added element to keep in mind: wheelchair accessibility throughout the entire home.
Len Bogh’s Certified Aging-In-Place (CAPs) designation via the National Association of Home Builders provided the technical background Great Northern needed to incorporate accessible design modifications into the new space. Dovetailed Kitchens provided the kitchen cabinetry and stone countertops for the project. All interior design selections were completed by Lauren Skovlund of Skovlund Interiors of Portsmouth, NH. Skovlund followed a mid-century modern design aesthetic with many of the furnishings selected at West Elm.
Each space in the home was re-designed for comfort, style, and accessibility, and all are tied together by a full home AI system named ‘Josh’. Josh helps the homeowner control the operations of the home, such as the thermostat, lighting, and even the blinds, using simple voice commands.
Looking past the high-end technology, a visitor would be struck by some of the key focal pieces in the home. In the main entertaining space, the gas fireplace sits within a floor to ceiling slab of Calacatta Verona quartz.
In the kitchen your eye is drawn to the island that has a waterfall style installation of HanStone Quartz in ‘Aspen’. Custom built in shelving can be found throughout the home, but most stunning is the floor to ceiling bookshelf in the master bedroom. The must have accessibility features incorporated in the design included:
- Hallways, doorway thresholds, height of counters, toilets and sinks are all compliant with standard ADA specifications.
- Elevator access from the garage into the home
- Pocket doors throughout the home to allow for ease of maneuverability
- Smart Home System using voice command to control all electronic components
- Fully accessible bathrooms featuring
- American Standard Walk in tub with added high capacity tankless water heater.
- Grab bars placed throughout for safety.
- Roll under sinks
- Roll in shower
The client was thrilled with the outcome of this project. About working with Great Northern Builders they said, “Great Northern Builders gave me the home of my dreams. They provided exceptional work with great attention to details. Reliable. Trustworthy. Honest.”
