Smith & Vansant Architects have undertaken a full-scale remodel of this midcentury modern deck house, situated in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Popularized in the 1950s through the 1970s these prefabricated homes are a midcentury interpretation of the earlier Sears kit houses. Panelized components and post and beam construction typically allow these dwellings to feature vast expanses of glass and an open floor plan.

Typical of other deck houses throughout New England this property is nestled in a wooded setting, with little disruption to trees or other natural occurrences around it. The architects were commissioned to transform the house’s dark and dreary interior into a light-filled home, but the homeowners had a significant wish list for this remodel.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Smith & Vansant Architects GENERAL CONTRACTOR George White & Company KITCHEN CABINETRY & BOOKSHELVES Watershed Fine Furniture

The owner’s directive was to incorporate three bedrooms, three bathrooms, three home offices, a roomy kitchen, a sizable entertaining area, and a substantial library within a 2,000-square-foot home. They assured the architect that their living spaces did not need to be large, but they did need to be functional and highly efficient.

Despite the original layout being dark and depressing on the interior, this home had great bones and a fantastic indoor-outdoor connection. The woodsy landscape helped to create a feeling of spaciousness in this compact house.

What We Love: This fully transformed deck house features a high level of craftsmanship throughout, demonstrating how a smaller floor plan can still offer a feeling of spaciousness. The project team did a fantastic job of incorporating clever strategies to create small living spaces that are highly functional. We love all of the natural light flooding in through large windows and skylights, helping to make this home feel more spacious than its footprint.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the remodel of this midcentury deck house? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of New Hampshire: A lakeside camp-like home provides a woodland escape in New Hampshire and A beautiful midcentury deck house in New Hampshire invites nature inside.

Above: A gallery wall features colorful artwork by Oakland-based artist KG Greenstein, called “Mosaics”. The built-in wall unit is filled with cookbooks.

Above: Rich mahogany millwork is visible throughout this luminous home.

The couple and another family member who reside in this dwelling are all literature professors. They have all spent time living abroad in Europe, so they were used to living in cramped living quarters.

A radiant floor heating system was used to replace the original baseboard heaters. Baltic Birch wood flooring on the floors helps keep the living spaces light and airy.

Above: When the owners moved in, they brought with them 250 boxes filled with books, along with a substantial art collection. This provides visual interest throughout the living spaces.

Above: A view of the exterior facade of this 1960s Acorn Deck House.

PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Karosis