Courtney and Andrew Bash and their two sons, Oscar (age 3) and Auggie (age 2) were looking for a new home with more space then what they had. Andrew came across a ranch house for sale in an older area of Leawood, Kansas, known for its abundance of traditional ranch houses. The house the Bash’s found had good bones and major potential, but needed some serious updating. The couple purchased the house and brought family friend and architect Matthew Hufft and his firm Hufft Projects into the picture to help renovate.

Design concept and solution:
This contemporary 3,981-square-foot renovation and addition makes no concession towards differentiating the old from the new. Rather than razing the entire residence, an effort was made to conserve what elements could be worked with and add space where an expanded program required it. Clad with cedar, the addition contains a master suite on the first floor and two children’s rooms and a playroom on the second. A small vegetated roof is located adjacent to the stairwell which is visible from the upper landing. Interiors throughout the house, both in the new construction areas and in the existing renovation, were handled with great care to ensure a cohesive experience throughout. Partition walls that once differentiated living, dining, and kitchen spaces were removed and ceiling vaults exposed. A new kitchen island both defines and complements this singular space. The parti is a contemporary addition to a suburban mid-century ranch house. Hence, the name, “Modern w/ a Side of Ranch.”

Neighbors have welcomed this different looking update to their street. The Bash’s backyard, on most evenings, is the meeting point for all kids 10 and under and turns into the neighborhood playground. The family enjoys all of their space, both outdoor and in; the boys especially love their playroom, which feels like it is in the trees.

Total construction cost: Withheld