Project cost: $125,000
Project Sq. Ft.: 660

The context for this whole house renovation is the 25th floor of a 1980’s building full of small condominiums. Touted as one of the first condominium projects in Des Moines, Iowa, this building boasted clean contemporary spaces for the business executive.  This penthouse condo lacked everything a person might expect from the top floor: size, character and interest. It had great views, but the homogenous rooms smacked of repetition consistent with the floor plans throughout this outdated building. A choppy and compact 660 SF condo, like many others, felt like a glorified apartment or an extended-stay hotel. Silent Rivers, Inc. was charged with changing this perception.

The client desired to maximized functionality of this rather small home, create additional storage from unused vertical space, and bring the whole thing together with a unified design and sense of style. The goals were simple and straight forward, and the company’s approach remained equally strategic. Limited by the existing sheer walls and designated utility zones, Silent Rivers focused on subtle but refined changes in custom cabinetry and finishes to create a warm and upbeat home that served this homeowner for both entertaining and relaxing. Imagine the possibilities: a fun artistic space delivered for just under $125,000.

While managing the budget did add value, it didn’t come without challenge. Working within a small space, the majority of its layout was defined by plumbing walls or building chases. Material management involved extra attention due to limited access to a single elevator. While the design process was quite fun and engaging, the client often reconsidered options after choices were made. As an example, the client cycled through five different countertop selections only to end up where the company started, choosing concrete. The client insisted on a few of her own trade-contractors for the project as well, which greatly disrupted work flow and scheduling. The countertop installer was such a ‘suggestion,’ and his reluctance to attend to our deadline and process delayed completion by 30 days. The client didn’t help matters when she requested him to add a concrete skirt below the island top which had to be formed, mixed and poured in place with most everything else completed in the room.

The consistent application of materials throughout the condo, along with creative cabinet options, helped to optimize functionality while providing an inviting atmosphere. Silent Rivers used all the vertical unused space above the original existing closets for additional storage, transforming simple rod and shelf closets, into custom designed and built cabinetry to fulfill the client’s storage. The cabinetry design, with its long vertical handles, helps pull the eyes up to imply the sense of increased volume. The linear quality of the ceiling light fixtures reinforces this dynamic quality which adds to the scale of the rooms.